Data Management Foundations Latest Update Graded A+

file structure the format that data is arranged and stored in a file. flat files Files having no internal hierarchy heap files Files containing an unsorted set of records that are uniquely identified by a record id which allows them to be inserted or deleted using that id. index files Files containing an unsorted set of records that are uniquely identified by a record id which allows them to be inserted or deleted using that id. hashed files Files which use a hash function to decide where a record should be placed on a disk. This allows for faster data lookup without the use of an index file. data Raw facts, or facts that have not yet been processed to reveal their meaning to the end mation The result of processing raw data to reveal its meaning. Information consists of transformed data and facilitates decision making. knowledge The body of information and facts about a specific subject. A key characteristic is that new knowledge can be derived from old knowledge. database management A process that focuses on data collection, storage, and retrieval. Common data management functions include addition, deletion, modification, and listing. database A shared, integrated computer structure that houses a collection of related data. A database contains two types of data: end-user data (raw facts) and metadata. DBMS The collection of programs that manages the database structure and controls access to the data stored in the database. data inconsistency A condition in which different versions of the same data yield different (inconsistent) A question or task asked by an end user of a database in the form of SQL code. A specific request for data manipulation issued by the end user or the application to the DBMS. ad hoc query A "spur-of-the-moment" question. query results set The collection of data rows returned by a query. data quality A comprehensive approach to ensuring the accuracy, validity, and timeliness of data.