Ch 5: Database Processing

Q1: What is the purpose of a database?

The purpose of a database is to keep track of anything and everything such as clients, vendors, hours worked by employees, materials, etc.  Spreadsheets can also be used, but databases help you keep track of multiple things all at once without having to create multiple spreadsheets.

Q2: What is a database?

A database is a self-describing collection of integrated records.  Columns are fields and rows are records of information. A key is a column/group of columns that identifies a unique row in a table.  Columns that fulfill a role are called foreign keys.  Databases that carry their data in the form of tables & represent their relationships using foreign keys are relational databases.  Metadata are data that describe data.

Q3: What are the components of a database application system?

The components are: User, Database Application, Database Management System, and the Database.  Users employ a database application that consists of forms formatted reports, queries, and application programs. Each component calls on the database management system to process the database tables.

Q4: How do database applications make databases more useful? A database application is a collection of forms, reports, queries, and application programs that process a database, which may have one or more applications and each application may have one or more users. This allows for different users to use the database at the same time as long as they avoid “lost-update problem.” Everyone will be on the same page.

Q5: How are data models used for database development?

A logical representation of database data called a data model. It describes the relationships that will be stored in the database…sort of like a blueprint.

Q6: How is a data model transformed into a database design?

Normalization is the process of converting a poorly structured table into two or more well-structured tables.  It is important that the most relevant information is on the table and that the fields you have built into your table require the data that is what you need.  A data integrity problem is when the data varies for the same field…it’s inconsistent.

Q7: What is the users’ role in the development of databases?

The users are the final judges as to what data the database should contain and how the records in that database should be related to one another.  The user is the one that develops the structure of the database, creates the tables, queries, etc.

Q8: 2020?

Companies have begun to look at consumer buying habits. With data aggregators such as Acxiom, whenever you use your credit card, obtain data from public and private sources and process it. There are laws as to how your information can be obtained and stored.  In 2020, when you call for assistance, to your telephone number your name, address, etc will be linked to the database.

Kroenke, David. "Chapter 5: Database Processing." Using MIS. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2011. 134-161. Print.