What is a computer database?

Simply put a computer database is an electronic filing and sorting system.

Decades ago the same functions were performed with Index Card systems.

A computer database consists of a structured file format into which an operator can input information.

The database structure consists of a number of set fields, a simple example would be something like:

Record#: [Discrete field]

Title:

Initial:

Family name:

Address:

City:

Postal/ Zip code:

Telephone number:

A number of fields is grouped into a record, one record containing all the information for one person, in most databases the records will be unique, meaning that no record is the same as another.

An additional record number field is normally added by the database system to the record, this is normally discrete and cannot be viewed by the operator.

When the database is being designed the programmer will specify what type of data is to be entered into a particular field: Character (or string), Numeric, Alphanumeric or "memo"; this practice enables sorting functions to be performed on the data, as well as ensuring that data is entered in a structured fashion.

In order to make use of the data within the system and make accessing the data faster a system of indexes or keys are employed. What this does is order the records in a particular fashion so that the data can be accessed and utilized by the operator. Indexes, Keys and Sorting is a whole book on its own - See some of the related links.

Once you have a number of records stored you can then sort, find records, modify and delete data.

For example if you had a large database of address data (like the example above), you could find and print the records of all the people with a particular Family name or print the records of all the people who live within the same Postal code/ ZIP code.

Databases are a huge part of our life. The page that you are currently viewing is built using a database which handles the questions and answers!