CIS Exam #2 (Chapters 5-8) Questions
and Answers
• Databases versus spreadsheet - when do you use a database and when do you use a
spreadsheet? - ANSWER-- We use a spreadsheet for lists of data involving single
theme (or concept). If I just want to keep track of a list of students and their grades, a
spreadsheet will do.
- We use a database for data with multiple themes or concepts.
When I need to add student tracking, student email addresses, student office visits, and
other information, it makes more sense to use a database that can handle multiple
concepts.
• What are the elements of a database? They start with a bit and move up from there. -
ANSWER-- A database allows us to create relationships. A database is a self-
describing collection of integrated records.
- A database includes Tables and files. BUT it also includes relationships between
Tables and files. Additionally it includes special data called meta data that helps
describe the structure of the database.
- When we work with databases, we start by creating TABLES that will hold the data.
- We start with Bytes. Another word for BYTE is character. Each byte is one character of
data. A bunch of bytes put together Forms a field. Each field will represent a different
piece of data. Then we have records. Each records will represent a different person or
item or etc. A stack of paper enrollments for a group of students wanting to play
baseball is an example of a group of records - each student has a piece of paper with
his or her information. Each of these pieces of paper is a record. Putting all the records
together, creates a Tables.
-The power of a database comes when we can relate one Table to another Table. For
example, a group of young baseball players might be in one Table and the parents'
names and contact information and permission slips could be in another Table.
, - The textbook refers to THEME (or concept) when referring to a Table. They also use
the term relations. There are just a lot of terms when it comes to databases. For our
purposes, the term most non-database users tend to use is Table. Linking Tables
together creates relationships. A database is a group of related Tables. Metadata is in
play behind the scenes to describe definitions of Tables, what is expected in various
fields and details about the relationships between Tables.
• What is the hierarchy of the elements of the database? - ANSWER-
• What is a primary key? - ANSWER-A key is a field or group of fields that identifies a
unique record in the Table. When we have a field in its original Table, it can be the
primary key.
• What is meta-data? - ANSWER-Metadata makes a database self-describing. It makes
it easier for those who come after the original designer to know what intended for each
field. Here is an example of some meta data.
• What is my SQL? What is basic SQL? - ANSWER-• SQL stands for Structured Query
Language. SQL is used to communicate with a database.
• It is the standard language for relational database management systems and is used
to create databases and database structures, and process databases.
• SQL is used by all popular DBMS products. Relational database programs, such as
Microsoft Office Access, use SQL to work with data.
• Unlike many computer languages, SQL is not difficult to read and understand.
• However, Access DOES simply SQL by adding a tool called Query By Example. As
you use the graphical screens, the Structured Query Language is being created for you
in the background.
• What is the query? What is the form? - ANSWER-A query is a question or inquiry
about a set of data.
• Typical database application Report, Query Form and Query Report. Structure of this
Report creates information because it shows student data in a context meaningful to the
professor.
• DBMS programs provide comprehensive and robust features for Querying database
data.
and Answers
• Databases versus spreadsheet - when do you use a database and when do you use a
spreadsheet? - ANSWER-- We use a spreadsheet for lists of data involving single
theme (or concept). If I just want to keep track of a list of students and their grades, a
spreadsheet will do.
- We use a database for data with multiple themes or concepts.
When I need to add student tracking, student email addresses, student office visits, and
other information, it makes more sense to use a database that can handle multiple
concepts.
• What are the elements of a database? They start with a bit and move up from there. -
ANSWER-- A database allows us to create relationships. A database is a self-
describing collection of integrated records.
- A database includes Tables and files. BUT it also includes relationships between
Tables and files. Additionally it includes special data called meta data that helps
describe the structure of the database.
- When we work with databases, we start by creating TABLES that will hold the data.
- We start with Bytes. Another word for BYTE is character. Each byte is one character of
data. A bunch of bytes put together Forms a field. Each field will represent a different
piece of data. Then we have records. Each records will represent a different person or
item or etc. A stack of paper enrollments for a group of students wanting to play
baseball is an example of a group of records - each student has a piece of paper with
his or her information. Each of these pieces of paper is a record. Putting all the records
together, creates a Tables.
-The power of a database comes when we can relate one Table to another Table. For
example, a group of young baseball players might be in one Table and the parents'
names and contact information and permission slips could be in another Table.
, - The textbook refers to THEME (or concept) when referring to a Table. They also use
the term relations. There are just a lot of terms when it comes to databases. For our
purposes, the term most non-database users tend to use is Table. Linking Tables
together creates relationships. A database is a group of related Tables. Metadata is in
play behind the scenes to describe definitions of Tables, what is expected in various
fields and details about the relationships between Tables.
• What is the hierarchy of the elements of the database? - ANSWER-
• What is a primary key? - ANSWER-A key is a field or group of fields that identifies a
unique record in the Table. When we have a field in its original Table, it can be the
primary key.
• What is meta-data? - ANSWER-Metadata makes a database self-describing. It makes
it easier for those who come after the original designer to know what intended for each
field. Here is an example of some meta data.
• What is my SQL? What is basic SQL? - ANSWER-• SQL stands for Structured Query
Language. SQL is used to communicate with a database.
• It is the standard language for relational database management systems and is used
to create databases and database structures, and process databases.
• SQL is used by all popular DBMS products. Relational database programs, such as
Microsoft Office Access, use SQL to work with data.
• Unlike many computer languages, SQL is not difficult to read and understand.
• However, Access DOES simply SQL by adding a tool called Query By Example. As
you use the graphical screens, the Structured Query Language is being created for you
in the background.
• What is the query? What is the form? - ANSWER-A query is a question or inquiry
about a set of data.
• Typical database application Report, Query Form and Query Report. Structure of this
Report creates information because it shows student data in a context meaningful to the
professor.
• DBMS programs provide comprehensive and robust features for Querying database
data.
