A Database is a collection of information organised in a methodical and detailed way so that a computer programme can quickly select desired pieces of data. A database can be consider to be an efficient and easy electronic filing system. A single database may refer to a variety of sources, in this case, Music/Singers.
Since the development of electronic databases, most companies and individuals no longer use manual systems for the major part of their data resources. These databases can be one of four types; closed, open, flat-file or relational databases.
Different Types of Databases
Closed databases
These databases already have data about a certain topic, and cannot be altered or added. However, the user can gain a great deal of information regarding to such topics, for example age of students, address or house.
Open databases
An open database, otherwise known as a 'shell,' can be bought that allows the user do develop and manage data to their own design.
Flat-file databases
A flat file database refers to data files that contain records with no structured relationships. Flat files contain only basic formatting, they have a small fixed number of fields, and it may not have a file format.
Relational database
A relational database is a collection of data items organised as a set of formally-described tables from which data can be
accessed or reassembled in many different ways without having to reorganise the database tables.
Differences between Flat-file and Relational databases
My example of a Relational database
My example of a Flat-File database
Comparison Table
What is a Database Management System? (DBMS)
A database management system (DBMS) is the software that allows a computer to perform database functions of storing, retrieving, adding, deleting and modifying data. It is the software that controls very large databases, able to contain millions of records that are linked together. One large file can be divided into separate storage datas called tables. Each table can be created and used separately, but when information form many tables is needed, links can be set up between tables and information obtained that takes data from more than one table.Some DBMS examples include MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft Access, SQL Server, FileMaker, Oracle, RDBMS, dBASE, Clipper, and FoxPro.
Table of database components
Labelled Database
Different Data Types
Alphanumeric/Text: Allows you to type in text, numbers and symbols, e.g. A3, 2014, 91913003, 7 Woodville Ave.
Number: This allows a whole number or a decimal.number. Text is any character or symbol, a to z, %, symbols, or even numbers 0 to 9.Only numbers can be entered, no letters or symbols. For example, 17, 46.78
Currency: This automatically formats the data to have a currency symbol in front of the data and also ensures there are two decimal places, much like currency, for example £7.75, $149.99.
Date/Time: This restricts data entry to 1-31 for the number of days in a month, and 1-12 for number of months in a year. It checks that a date can actually exist, for example, it would not allow 31/02/06 to be entered, which is extremely efficient. It formats the data into long, medium or short date/time e.g. 06:21 PM, 04/03/14.
Auto-number: This datatype will automatically increase by 1 as records are added to the database.
Yes/No: The data is restricted to one of only two choices e.g. True/False, Yes/No
Audio: An audio piece of data/file-link that uses sound. e.g. A song/music.
Video: A video piece of data that uses visual cues. e.g. Youtube video/movie
Hyperlinks: A link to a source on the internet that can provide more information, such as a link to another web page or even database.
Software and Hardware requirements
The standard hardware requirements in order to run a proficient and maintainable database include:-
-A minimum 2GHz or more processor.
-A 2GB or more of memory/RAM.
- 2 GB of disk space is required for product package installation. Additional disk space is required for the resources that you develop.
-1024 x 768 display monitor, with a minimum of 256 Colours, or higher for best results.
-A well-rounded mother-board- (Asus Sabertooth Z87)
- Decent PC case (120mm Fan ATX Mid Tower Black Computer Case).
The standard software requirements include:-
- Microsoft Access (Database Management System)
-Windows XP or higher
- Word processor (Microsoft Word- 2011)
- Hardware drivers for components such as printers
- Web browsers (Google, Safari, Google Chrome, Firefox, etc)
-Barcode scanner software
In order for TAPOUT Inc. to ultimately reach its goal, the final database design and functionality will play a pivotal role. The Operational requirements include:-
-The database needs to be an accurate, effective and reliable place to store information and details regarding to the singers.
-It must be an electronic database, meaning it has to be done on a DBMS on the computer, for example, Microsoft Access. This will ensure ease of use and functionality.
-It must be easily accessible, in order for the company to quickly navigate through the database to pick out necessary information.
-As this database is a relational, it must have certain requirements. For example, it must be easy to alter, enter, search, display and sort data.
- For ease of access, their should be individual genre headings, aswell as performance details, which will make it easier to search through the database.
-The database must be able to operate in a busy environment, and must not be prone to crashing or disrupting information.
When these requirements are conducted, then an easy to use and efficient database can be formed, which will greatly assist in reaching TAPOUT's overall goal.
In order to keep up to date, and make sure that the database is operational within the required time frame, I have established a Gantt Chart, (located on this page)- which will assist in the product management stage, and help me to keep on track in terms of planning and developing my final design.
In order for this work to be uniquely yours, and to have some originality in your database, it is imperative that you do not plagiarise who steal anyone's ideas. Social and Ethical factors play an important role in the moral aspects of your final product.
-Privacy is a big factor in terms of social and ethical implications, and in order to make the best possible database, it should essentially be your work and ideas.
-However, it is also important to keep work strictly confidential and to not share or discuss work with others.
-Use your full business license, and be mindful of copyright, as TAPOUT will not except any work that is not your own.
- Have some integrity, honesty and pride in your work, and therefore it is imperative that you must try your hardest in every aspect of this problem, in order to essentially solve it and suit the requirements of the company.
-Have insurance for hardware; as if one of your computer components is damaged or your computer crashes, this could lead to a lot of money wasted. If you get insurance for these items, you can immediately get them fixed or replaced in the near future.
-Make sure that those who look at the database and make slight changes are trustworthy and have full authority to do so. For example, in this company, only employees can observe and alter the database. Perhaps as a way of stopping unauthorised viewers, a password could be established.
-Personal details should remain confidential when working on the database.
- Changing the nature of work; this will have an impact of both negative and positive on employees. For example, they may need to train staff.
- In terms of ergonomics, the database should be easy to manage and navigate through, however should most definitely have the developers originality incorporated into it. It should be both aesthetically pleasing and practical/functional.
My references to the Research section are located under the Bibliography Page
In order to keep up to date, and make sure that the database is operational within the required time frame, I have established a Gantt Chart, (located on this page)- which will assist in the product management stage, and help me to keep on track in terms of planning and developing my final design.
In-depth Financial Plan
Social and Ethical requirements
-Privacy is a big factor in terms of social and ethical implications, and in order to make the best possible database, it should essentially be your work and ideas.
-However, it is also important to keep work strictly confidential and to not share or discuss work with others.
-Use your full business license, and be mindful of copyright, as TAPOUT will not except any work that is not your own.
- Have some integrity, honesty and pride in your work, and therefore it is imperative that you must try your hardest in every aspect of this problem, in order to essentially solve it and suit the requirements of the company.
-Have insurance for hardware; as if one of your computer components is damaged or your computer crashes, this could lead to a lot of money wasted. If you get insurance for these items, you can immediately get them fixed or replaced in the near future.
-Make sure that those who look at the database and make slight changes are trustworthy and have full authority to do so. For example, in this company, only employees can observe and alter the database. Perhaps as a way of stopping unauthorised viewers, a password could be established.
-Personal details should remain confidential when working on the database.
- Changing the nature of work; this will have an impact of both negative and positive on employees. For example, they may need to train staff.
- In terms of ergonomics, the database should be easy to manage and navigate through, however should most definitely have the developers originality incorporated into it. It should be both aesthetically pleasing and practical/functional.
My references to the Research section are located under the Bibliography Page
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