Glossary

A

Attribute: An attribute is a part of the description of an entity. The entity itself is defined by one or more attributes.

C

Candidate Key: A candidate key is a combination of attribute that can be uniquely used to identify a database records without any extraneous data. Each table may have one or more candidate key.

Column: In a database table, the table consists of one or more columns; together they describe to know about each record in the table.

D

Data: Collection of factual information that is translated into a form that is more convenient to move or process.

Database: A collection of records that is organized, so that it can be easily processed, managed and updated.

Database Constraints: Constraints on the database that require relations to satisfy certain properties.

Database Converter: A utility which is used to convert database records from one format to another format.

Database Integrity: Database integrity ensures that data entered into the database is accurate, valid and consistent.

Database Management System: A collection of programs that enables you to create and manage various types of database records.

Data Model: A Data Model is an abstract model that describes how the data is represented and used.

E

Entity: An entity is a collection of object (like person, place or thing) described by the same attributes.

F

Field: A location for a single piece of data in a database.

File: A file is a collection of records.

Flat File System: A database model that stored data in text files and can be accessed sequentially.