Information Technology
Database
Forms of Database
There are different types of databases. Databases are often categorized by the way they organize data.
Different forms of database include:
- Flat file Databases
- Relational Databases
- Hierarchical Databases
- Network Databases
- Distributed Databases
Flat file Databases
Flat file databases are the traditional data file storage systems that lack the ability to interrelate data in
an organizational structure. They are called flat because they contain only one table or file.
Relational Database
In relational data base, files are organized in tables called relations. Records are arranged in rows while
the fields are arranged in columns. The rows are called tuple and the columns are called attributes.
Relational database is the most common type of database structure. It is used by most microcomputers
Database Management System (DBMS) packages.
A relational database
Matric No Name Address
9712345 Kemmer Lagos
9582374 Smith Jos
6763333 Shola Abuja
9754322 Adamu Kaduna
9567892 Adeoye Ibadan
Tuples
Fields (Attributes)
Hierarchical Database
A hierarchical database has a tree-like structure. It has a top-level record type known as the root node.
All access to the database must start at the root node. The root node is connected to lower-level nodes,
which contain data elements that are attributes of the root node. These lower nodes are also connected
to other lower nodes.
Employee Root node
Job Assignment Compensation Benefit
Life Insurance Health
Performance Rating Salary History Pension
A hierarchical database
Network Database
Network database are based on the same principles as the hierarchical database. The network model
makes it possible to develop many links amongst fields and there is no single root node. Access to other
links in the network is made through any level and one can move upwards and downwards.
Course 1 Course 2 Course 3
Student 1 Student 2 Student 3 Student 4 Student 5
Database Application
Databases are controlled by database management system (DBMS) software. DBMS is a set of tools that
database designers and database administrators use to structure the database system a company
needs. In the market today, Microsoft Access is a widely used DBMS. Other examples of DBMS are
Microsoft SQL server, Sybase, Visual Fox Pro, Oracle, DB2, etc.
To start and open an existing database in Microsoft Access, you do the following:
Step 1: Click on the Start button
Start Step 2: Click on Programs, then (Microsoft Office)
Step 3: Click on Access
The Access database program will load, then.
Open Step 4: Click open on the File menu (to choose an existing database file)
With database software, also called DBMS, you can create a computerized database; add, change and
delete data; you can sort and retrieve data from the database. You can create forms and reports from
the data in the database.