Introduction to Database Systems - Access Tables, Records, and Fields

Vocabulary flashcards covering core database terms, Access DBMS objects, field properties, key types, and referential integrity concepts from Chapter 10 of Introduction to Database Systems.

Data

A raw collection of numbers and text without inherent context or meaning (e.g., 273459368).

Information

The meaning derived from data by placing it into context (e.g., identifying 273-45-9368 as a Social Security Number).

Database

A large collection of data stored in a well-defined structure, functioning as an electronic filing system and a repository for large amounts of information.

Database Management System (DBMS)

A collection of software programs that enables users to enter, organize, and select data within a database (e.g., MS Access, Oracle, Sybase, SQL Server).

Table

An Access DBMS entity used to organize information by categories of like information, arranged into rows (records) and columns (fields).

Query

A question structure in a DBMS used to sort, filter, select, and extract specific information from a database.

Form

A database object designed to provide an interface for screen view and input of information, simplifying data viewing and entry.

Report

A database object providing formatted structures for viewing and producing written or printed output of data.

Program Modules & Macros

Program code within a DBMS used to execute specific, automated actions and procedures.

Field

An individual attribute or specific piece of information belonging to a table or entity.

Inseparable Fields

The database design principle of breaking data attributes down into their smallest discrete, meaningful components (e.g., separating an address into Street Address, City, State, and Zip Code).

Field Type / Data Type

A specification that defines the kind of data that can be entered and stored in a field, such as Short Text, Currency, or Date/Time.

Field Property

A setting that controls characteristics and behavior of a field, such as Field Size, Input Mask, Validity, and Default Value.

Primary Key

A single field or combination of fields whose values uniquely identify each individual record in a database table.

Foreign Key

A field in a table that defines the relationship to another table by referencing that table's primary key.

Joining Tables

The process of establishing a relationship between two tables in a relational DBMS by matching corresponding values in related fields.

Requirements of a Valid Foreign Key

The field must be a unique primary key in at least one of the tables and must share the same data type as the related field, though their field names do not have to be identical.

Referential Data Integrity

A set of rules specifying that a record entered with a foreign key must always have a corresponding matching record in the related primary key table.

Cascade Delete Related Records

A referential integrity rule ensuring that deleting a record from a primary key table automatically removes all related records containing that value in foreign key tables.

Cascade Update Related Records

A referential integrity rule ensuring that modifying an entry in a primary key field automatically updates the corresponding foreign key entries across all related tables.