9618 · 8.1
Database Concepts flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9618 Database Concepts (syllabus 8.1). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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What is a database?
A persistent, organised collection of structured data, typically stored and accessed electronically from a computer system.
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What is a Table in a relational database?
A set of data elements organised into vertical columns (fields) and horizontal rows (records). A table represents a single entity, like 'Students' or 'Products'.
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What is a Record?
A single row in a table, representing one complete set of information for an item in that entity. Also known as a tuple.
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What is a Field?
A single column in a table that contains a specific piece of information for all records. It defines an attribute of the entity, like 'FirstName' or 'Price'.
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What is a Primary Key?
A field (or set of fields) in a table that uniquely identifies each record. It must contain a unique value for each row and cannot be null.
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What is a Foreign Key?
A field in one table that is the primary key in another table. It is used to create a link (relationship) between the two tables.
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Describe a One-to-Many relationship.
A relationship where one record in Table A can be associated with many records in Table B, but one record in Table B is associated with only one record in Table A. Example: One Tutor has Many Students.
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Why are Many-to-Many relationships a problem in relational databases?
They cannot be directly implemented. They would create data redundancy and update anomalies. They must be resolved by creating a third 'linking' or 'junction' table.
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What is a DBMS?
Database Management System: The software that interacts with users, applications, and the database itself to capture and analyse the data. Examples: MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle.
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Common Trap: Is a Primary Key always a single field?
No. A primary key can be a 'composite key', which is made up of two or more fields combined to create a unique identifier for a record.
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What is the difference between a database and a DBMS?
The database is the data itself, organised in tables. The DBMS is the software used to create, manage, and query that database. You use the DBMS to interact with the database.