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Databases & File Handling Notes

A database is a structured collection of data that ensures consistency and prevents duplication by allowing changes to be made once. It utilizes various data types and requires a primary key for unique identification of records. SQL is the standard language for querying databases, while file handling allows for permanent data storage and accessibility across programs.

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3 views4 pages

Databases & File Handling Notes

A database is a structured collection of data that ensures consistency and prevents duplication by allowing changes to be made once. It utilizes various data types and requires a primary key for unique identification of records. SQL is the standard language for querying databases, while file handling allows for permanent data storage and accessibility across programs.

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axmatsveru
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Databases:

A database is a structured collection of data that allows people to extract information in a


way that meets their needs

Why are databases useful? Databases prevent problems occurring because:

» if any changes or additions are made it only has to be done once – data is consistent

» the same data is used by everyone

» data is only stored once in relational databases which means no data duplication

2 Basic data types

There are six basic data types that you need to be able to use in a database:

» text/alphanumeric

» character

» Boolean

» integer

» real

» date/time

Primary keys

As each record within a table contains data about a single item, person, or event, it is
important to be able to uniquely identify this item.

- A field that uniquely identifies the item is called the primary key.
- A field that is a primary key must contain data values that are never repeated in the
table.

SQL (Structured Query Language (SQL))


- is the standard query language for writing scripts to obtain useful information from a
database.
- SQL is used to obtain information from single-table databases.
- This will provide a basic understanding of how to obtain and display only the
information required from a database.
File handling

Purpose of storing data in a file

- Data saved to a file it is stored permanently.


- Data stored in a file can thus be accessed by the same program at a later date or
accessed by another program.
- Data stored in a file can also be sent to be used on other computer(s).

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