Databases

What is Databases?

Within Computer Science, which covers algorithms, programming, data, networks, hardware and safe, responsible use of technology, this topic explains Databases. Computing topics explain how software, hardware and data work, with diagrams and models that show each step in order.

Check that you can explain Databases in your own words and give one example from everyday life. If you can do that, you have understood the core idea.

Understanding Databases helps you design, test and explain programs, websites and systems, from small projects to exam questions.

Databases in detail

A database is an organised collection of data that is stored so that it can be easily searched, updated and managed. A relational database stores data in tables made of rows (records) and columns (fields). Each table has a primary key, a unique identifier for each record, and tables are linked by foreign keys.

Databases avoid duplication (data redundancy), keep data consistent, and allow many users to share data securely. Examples include school records, online shops and bank accounts. A database management system (DBMS) handles storage and queries. Good design uses suitable data types and relationships between tables.

How the interactive helps you understand Databases

Click a card to flip it and reveal the answer, then move on to the next one.

Before you change anything, predict the result. Then change one value at a time and check whether your prediction was right. This is a quick way to build a correct mental model of Databases.

Real-life uses and examples

• Apply Databases when you design a small program, website or spreadsheet.
• Explain Databases to someone new to computing by comparing it to a familiar process.
• Trace through a process that uses Databases to check what it does step by step.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Testing only the normal case and forgetting the edge cases.
• Using the term without being able to say what the computer actually does.
• Learning the definition without testing it. Use the quiz and the interactive to check that you can apply the idea.