Interests

Databases

What is a database?

A database is collection of information that can be searched in useful ways.

A simple example is an address list. Entries (records) could be found by surname. Entries (fields) may include address, phone number, vocation etc. A simple application may be to look up someone in the address book and dial his/her phone number.

Other database examples are:-

accounts

sales records

ordering

parts inventory

job tracking

Really here your imagination is the limit. A database can be designed for just about any type of structured data management.

Database vs. Spreadsheet

Spreadsheets are very useful, and nice and simple, but a database can do much more:-

relate data from different databases to get new information (queries)

allow changing of data in a controlled manner

forms and reports make the building of a user friendly interface easy.

handle large quantities of information.

sort and filter is easier