Organising → the process of arranging, representing and formatting data

• involves the concept of a database (a collection of data)

Database → Organised collection of data.

• a place to organise/store data so it can be retrieved later for a particular purpose

Non-Computer based methods of organising including:

• telephone book → paper database that organises data alphabetically in a book according to person’s family name
• Card-based applications → paper filing systems that use paper, folders + filing cabinets to store data in an organised way
  • Searching folders in the filing cabinet retrieves a piece of paper.
  • Dewey Decimal System: organises books by subjects using numbers
  • Dictionaries, Reference Books, Encyclopaedias: Data about words, topic and subject are organised in alphabetical order

Computer based methods of organising including:

examples of computer-based databases → taxation records, library systems, car registrations, student records & census data

Flat file Database

Flat File Database → organises data into single table (suitable for small applications)

• Database stored in a single table (single file)
  • Most appropriate when tasks require basic processing and end users have low ICT (information and computer technology) skills

Relational Database

Relational Database → organises data w/ a series of related tables (flat file only uses 1 table)

• relationships built between tables provide a flexible way of manipulating + combining data
• forms are used to view, enter + change data in tables
• these are the most commonly used database structure
• organisation of data in this database requires a schema (see org. of relational database)

Database Management System

• Database management system → software that allows users to access the data in a database so they can enter, maintain and view the data there.