Some Basic Database Terminologies

A computer system organizes data in a hierarchy that begins with the bit, which represents either a 0 or a 1. Bits can then be grouped to form a byte which represents one character, number, or symbol. Bytes can be grouped to form a field, and related fields can be grouped to form a record.

Below are some basic database terminologies;

1. Field: This is a portion of a record, for example, name, age, class, registration number, etc. It is actually a column on a datasheet, and it defines a data type for a set of values in a table.

2. Record: This is a collection of fields in a database such as a student’s name, age, class, etc. A record is made up of one or more keys. It is actually a row on a datasheet and it is a set of values defined by fields.

3. File: This is a collection of related records, for example, students’ files, employee’s files, and customer’s files.

4. Table: This is a grouping of related data organized in fields (columns) and records (rows) on a datasheet. Many tables can be stored in a single database.

5. Database: This is a group of related files (e.g. student enrollment number, school fees status, examination records, past history etc.)

6. Primary key: This is a unique identifier for a record. Examples of fields that can serve as primary keys include; NIN, Driving License number, Bank account number, Admission number, Fingerprint, BVN, etc.

7. DBMS (Database Management System) This is the software used to maintain a database. Examples are Dbase III, IV, Access, Oracle, etc.

8. DBA (Data Base Administrator) This is a person responsible for the management of a database. He keeps the database up to date.