Database Software

Database Software

A database is a collection of data organized in a manner that allows access, retrieval, and use of that data. In a manual database, you might record data on paper and store it in a filing cabinet. With a computerized database, the com­puter stores the data in an electronic format on a storage medium such as a hard disk-Database software is application software that allows users to create, access, and manage a database, Using database software, you can add, change, and delete data in a database; sort and retrieve data from the database; and create forms and reports using the data in the database. With most popular personal computer database programs, a database consists of a collection of tables, organized in rows and columns. Each row, called a record, contains data about a given person, product, object, or event. Each column, called afield, contains a specific category of data within a record.

The Store database consists of two tables: an Item table and a Supplier table. The Hem table contains ten records (rows), each storing data about one item. The item data is grouped into six fields (columns); Item Code, Description, On Hand, Cost, Selling Price, and Supplier Code. The On Hand field, for instance, contains the quantity on hand in inventory. The Item and Supplier tables relate to one another through a common field. Supplier Code.

Users run queries to retrieve data, A query is a request for specific data from the database. For example, a query might request products that are low on hand. Database software can take the results of a query and present it in a window on the screen or send it to the printer.