Introduction to Data and Database

Key vocabulary terms and definitions covering data concepts, data types, database components, advantages, and relational table structures from the Week 9 lecture.

Data

Raw, unorganised facts that serve as the input for information processing.

Information

Organised, meaningful data that represents the processed output of data.

Structured Data

Highly organized data stored in a fixed format like rows and columns, easily managed using relational databases (e.g., CSV, spreadsheets).

Semi-Structured Data

Data that does not follow a strict tabular format but contains tags or markers to organize elements (e.g., XML, JSON, email metadata).

Unstructured Data

Data with no predefined structure or format, often requiring special tools for storage and analysis (e.g., images, videos, PDFs, social media posts).

Database

An organized collection of related data stored electronically and managed by a Database Management System (DBMS).

Database Management System (DBMS)

Software or a database program that allows users to create, access, and manage a database while streamlining data handling processes.

Hardware (Database Component)

The physical devices where a database resides and operates, such as servers, storage drives, and network devices.

Software (Database Component)

The Database Management System (DBMS) programs that manage data access and control, such as MySQL, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server.

Users (Database Component)

The people who interact with the database system, including database administrators, data entry staff, and business analysts.

Procedures (Database Component)

Guidelines and rules on how to use and manage the database effectively and securely, such as backup policies, access protocols, and usage training.

Reduced Data Redundancy

An advantage of databases where most data items are stored in only one file, greatly reducing duplicate records across an organization.

Shared Data

A database feature where data belongs to and is shared across an organization over a network, independent of the application programs accessing it.

Easier Access

A database benefit that enables nontechnical users with proper privileges to access, maintain, and develop smaller databases without professional assistance.

Reduced Development Time

A database benefit where DBMS tools assist in program development, making it faster and easier to build database applications.

Structured Query Language (SQL)

A core tool and query language used for interacting with databases, serving as a foundational skill for data science and artificial intelligence.

Primary Key

A database field (such as StudentID in a Students table) that uniquely identifies each individual record in a table.

Foreign Key

A field in a relational database table that links to the primary key of another table to establish a relationship between them.