Databases and Database Management Systems

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to databases and database management systems, designed to help students understand and remember critical definitions and functions.

Database

A collection of related data stored in a manner that enables information to be retrieved as needed.

Database Management System (DBMS)

Software used to create, maintain, and access databases.

Primary Key

A field that uniquely identifies a record in a table and is not duplicated in any other record.

Tables

A collection of related records in a database.

Fields

Single categories of data to be stored in a database (e.g., name, telephone number).

Records

Collections of related fields in a database.

Queries

Requests to see information from a database that matches specific criteria.

Data Encryption

The process of encoding data to prevent unauthorized access.

Data Integrity

The accuracy of data and the quality of information generated.

Data Validation

The process of ensuring that data entered into the database is valid and matches specified criteria.

Data Dictionary

A repository of descriptions of data structures, including table structures and relationships.

Relational Database

A database that allows tables to be related to one another so that changes in one table are automatically reflected in others.

Data Privacy

The practice of protecting personal data stored in databases from unauthorized access and breaches.

Data Hierarchy

The arrangement of data in a structured manner that includes fields, records, tables, and databases.

Entity

A person, object, or event of importance to the organization that is represented in a database.

Attribute

A characteristic of an entity that typically becomes fields in the entity's database table.

Access Controls

Measures that restrict access to data within a database to authorized users.

Real-Time Computing

The capability to access data instantly as it is needed.

Batch Processing

A method that requires transactions to be accumulated and processed in large groups.

Data Mining

The discovery of hidden predictive information that helps to predict trends and patterns in data.