Database & Data Concepts Notes
- Data Processing - Data processing can be as simple as organizing data to reveal patterns.
- Metadata - Describes the characteristics of data and the relationships within a database.
- Field vs. Record - A field is a single data element, whereas a record is a collection of related fields.
A field does not refer to a collection of records.
- Data Warehouse - A data warehouse stores data from multiple sources to support analysis and
decision-making.
- DBMS Complexity - The DBMS hides much of the database's internal complexity from users and
applications.
- Corporate Data - Corporations use both structured and unstructured data, not just structured data.
- Data & Information - Data are the building blocks of information.
- Data Integrity - Ensures that data in a database is consistent with real-world conditions.
- Query Result Set - The response of a DBMS to a query is called a query result set.
- Verifiable Data - Data is verifiable if it always yields consistent results.
- Knowledge - A body of information and facts about a specific subject.
- Database Structure - Stored as a collection of files in a DBMS.
- Data Inconsistency - Exists when different versions of the same data appear in different places.
- End-User Data - Raw facts of interest to the end user.
- Workgroup Database - Supports a relatively small number of users (usually fewer than 50).
- XML Database - Supports the storage and management of semistructured XML data.
- Application - Might be written by a programmer or created using a DBMS utility program.
- File in Databases - A file is a collection of related records.
- Field Definition - A field is a character or group of characters that has a specific meaning.
- Data & Information Processing - Information is produced by processing data.
- DBMS Definition - A Database Management System (DBMS) manages the database structure and
controls access to stored data.
- Decision-Support Databases - Used to store data for generating tactical or strategic decisions.
- Metadata - Data about data that integrates and manages end-user data.
- Data Redundancy - Occurs when the same basic data is stored in multiple locations.
- Query - A specific request issued to the DBMS for data manipulation.
- Data Inconsistency - Exists when conflicting versions of the same data appear in different places.
- XML - A special language used to represent and manipulate data elements in a textual format.
- Data Anomaly - Develops when all required changes in redundant data are not successfully made.