Database &
Database
Designs
Agenda
Introduction to Databases & Database
Design
 Recommended Reading
 Scope of Learning
 Database Vocabulary
 Database Characteristics
 Types of Databases

Welcome to Databases
Our goal is to have a basic understanding
of databases
 Resources:

◦
◦
◦
◦
Slides
In Class Activities
No textbook required
Videos
Recommended Reading

Only if you want to get a deeper
understanding:
Database Design for Mere Mortals,
Hernandez, 1997, Addison Wesley
ISBN: 0-201-69471-9.
Why Learn Databases?
Store information
 Information is a valuable commodity
 Information is used for marketing and BI
(Business Information)
 Used by all kinds of businesses
 Access to good information (if properly
done)

Question

What are some databases that you have
seen or used?
Database Terms

Dataset

According to Dictionary.com, a database is “a
comprehensive collection of related data
organized for convenient access, generally in
a computer.”
Database Terms

Data
◦ From dictionary.reference.com, “Individual facts,
statistics, or items of information”.
◦ Never contrived or derived values
Database Terms

Database
◦ A comprehensive collection of related data
organized for convenient access
◦ Wk9_First_Sample.accdb
Database Terms

Database Management System (DBMS)

Provides tools needed to organize data
in a flexible manner. It includes:
 facilities to add, modify or delete data
 ask questions (queries) about the data
stored
 produce reports
Question

Based on definitions, can you think of
some benefits for using databases?
Database Terms
Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD)
 Visual display of tables and their
relationships for a database

Many Types of Databases
File Maker Pro
 Oracle
 Microsoft

◦ Excel
◦ Access
Database Models
According to Wikipedia: A database model is
the theoretical foundation of a database and
fundamentally determines in which manner
data can be stored, organized, and
manipulated in a database system. It thereby
defines the infrastructure offered by a
particular database system.
Database Model – Relational



Relational database model is the most
common
Composed of tables, each constructed like
a flat file
Wk9_FlatFile.xlsx (Relational tab
(worksheet))
What are Tables or Entities?

Tables (aka “Entities”) in the relational
model are used to represent "things" in the
real world.

Entities are made up of rows and columns.
Columns are called fields or attributes.
Rows are called records.
What is a Primary Key?
A field in the database that guarantees
uniqueness
 Speeds data retrieval

◦ Each record in a table must have a primary
key
◦ Each primary key is the first attribute
(column) listed
◦ Wk9_FlatFile.xlsx (Relational Tab)
What are Foreign Keys?
A foreign key is used to indicate a
relationship between 2 or more tables
 Each foreign key is a primary key in another
table
CREATE
RELATIONSHIPS
Create Relationships

Database Tools ribbon > relationships
grouping

Exercise:
◦ How to Edit a relationship
◦ How to Create a relationship
“Enforce Referential Integrity”

A system of rules that MS Access uses to ensure
that relationship data is valid and that you
cannot accidentally delete a record in 1 table
if a matching record is present in a related
table.

You cannot set referential integrity unless the
matching field from the primary table is a
primary key

Know that the related fields must have the same
data type
Review: STUDENTS TO VIEW for
“HYBRID”
1.
Lynda.com; Introduction - Why
Relational Databases?
2.
Lynda.com; Reviewing Data Modeling
3.
MYITLAB HOMEWORK:
Access Chapter 1- GRADER
PROJECT [HOMEWORK]