This document discusses database operations and different types of databases. It describes how databases can import data, perform queries, sort data, and print reports. Relational databases are introduced as an improvement over flat-file databases by eliminating redundant data and reducing inconsistencies. Key database operations include querying, sorting, and generating reports from the stored data.

1. Database Operations
Flat-File and Relational
Database
Source: Chapter 7, Tomorrow’s Technology & You (8th ed) by G Beekman & M Quinn

2. Objectives
So the students will be able to –
 Identify and discuss database operations
 Understand and explain the various special
purpose databases
 Explain the difference between a flat-file and
relational database
 Explain the concept of one-to-one and one-
to-many relationships

3. Database Operations
 Imports data from other sources - from
word processors, spreadsheets, or other
databases
 Browsing records
 Database queries
Query – an information request; can be a
search for a specific record or all records
that match a set of criteria

4. Database Operations
 Sorting Data – allows you to arrange record
in alphabetic or numeric order based on
values in one or more fields
Print reports, labels, and form letters
Display reports on screen or on printouts

5. Database Operations
 Complex queries – can be done using SQL
(Structured Query Language)
SQL , a special query language featured in
most database program
Used to filter the records of a database,
capturing only those that meet the
specific criteria
Use common English language and
common logical operator OR and AND.

6. Database Operations
 Use handout on – The Language of
Database Queries
 Example of SQL statements:
Select Vehicle_ID, Vehicle_Type FROM
Rental_Vehicles WHERE Transport_Mode
= ‘Land’ AND Rental_Price < 20.00

7. Special-Purpose Database Programs (SPDPs)
 Preprogrammed for specific data storage &
retrieval purposes
 Users do not need to define file structures
or design forms because these were taken
care of by the software

8. Example of SPDPs
1. Directories –
 electronic phone
directory that pack
millions of names &
phone numbers onto
a single CD-ROM or
Web site
 Electronic street atlas
– uses information to
provide location
feedback for travelers
& mobile workers
from GPS feeds

9. Example of SPDPs
2. Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) – simple
mapping and tracking
programs that combines
tables of data from
various sources
 Displays geographic and
demographic data on maps
 Enable users to see data
relationships that might be
invisible in table form

10. Example of SPDPs
3.Personal Information
Managers – can
automate address /
phone books,
appointment calendars,
to-do list, miscellaneous
notes

11. Types of database programs
1. File managers – a program that enables
users to work with one file at a time.
 Example: FileMaker Pro
2. Database Management System (DBMS) - a
program that manipulate data in a large
collection of files (database), cross-
referencing between file as necessary
 Example: MS Access, Oracle

12. Type of Database structures
 Flat-file database – a database in which all records
are stored in one large table. For example, in a flat-file
customer order, a customer’s address, phone number,
& other important information will be entered over and
over again every time a customer placed an order.
 Characteristics of flat-file databases:
 It requires redundant data, which resulted into
files of large sizes.
 It is difficult to maintain because it requires a
large pool of human resources that equates to
more salaries, office space and equipment.

13. Example: Flat-file database

14. Type of Database structures
 Relational Database – a type of database which consists
of more than one file or table that are linked to each other
by a common data and in which changes in one file are
reflected automatically in other related files.
 The Relational Database Theory - solved the problem of
redundant data (in a flat-file format).
 Dr. E.F. Codd – introduced the relational database theory
in his published paper entitled “A Relational Model of
Data for Large Shared Data Banks” in 1970.
 He introduced a set of rules that eliminate the need to
store redundant data and formed the origin of relational
database theory.

15. Example
of a
Relational
database

16. Advantages of Relational databases
1. Eliminate redundant data
 reduces the number of times a data item is entered
therefore, minimizing data entry error.
 Each data item is stored only once, so if an error is made,
only one entry will be corrected.

17. Advantages of Relational databases
2. Reduce data inconsistencies
 Data consistency – means rules or procedures followed
in the entry and processing are one and the same for all
users
3. Protect data integrity
 Data integrity – concerned with the correctness of data;
data free from errors