Database software
Database software stores Data that has meaning, not just a number or a letter. in an organised way. Individual bits of Values, typically letters or numbers. are stored in fields. Each field has a unique name, eg Address.
A record is a collection of fields that all relate to one another, together they are information. A record about a car would include its:
- make
- model
- registration or number plate
- colour
A table is a collection of records. In the example given, a table would contain individual records of cars.
Key fields exist as a unique identifier. In a car salesman鈥檚 database 鈥楻egistration鈥 would be a suitable key field. None of his cars have the same number plate, but some of them will be made by the same manufacturer or share the same colour. The key field allows the computer to separate each car鈥檚 record. Key fields are sometimes referred to as primary keys.