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TYPES OF DATABASES
There are mainly two types of databases:
Flat File Database: A flat file database is a simple type of database that stores
data in a single table or file, often as plain text or in a spreadsheet format.
Each record in the flat file is typically stored as a single line of text, with fields
separated by a separator (like commas or tabs). The most popular example of
a flat file database is Excel 2021. Excel 2021
Relational Database: This type of database stores data in multiple tables and links these tables
to retrieve related information. Commonly used relational database systems include Microsoft
Access, Microsoft SQL Server, ORACLE, etc.
Boost Bits
The concept of the relational database was introduced by Edgar F. Codd, who established a
set of thirteen rules, known as Codd’s Rules, to define a Relational Database Management
System (RDBMS).
TERMS RELATED TO A DATABASE
Data is stored in the table of a database, as shown in the diagram given below.
FIELDS
Primary key
Reg No Name Father Name Date of Birth Class
15/08/2007
VIII
Mr. K.S. Kant
Krishna Kant
187/11
RECORDS 156/12 Rishi Sharma Mr. N.K. Sharma 22/10/2008 IX
194/11
Suraj Patel
Mr. G.S. Patel
IX
16/04/2008
123/12
Priyansh Sagar
Mr. P.K. Sagar
Table: Student's record 18/06/2007 VIII
The commonly used terms in a relational database are:
Table: In a DBMS, a table is also known as a relation. It organises related data into columns
and rows. Columns, also known as fields, represent categories of data such as Reg No, Name,
Father's Name, Date of Birth, and Class. Each field has a specific heading. A row in the table
represents a record, which is a complete set of values for these fields.
Primary Key: It is a unique field used to identify records uniquely within a table. A table can
only have one primary key. It ensures that each record can be uniquely distinguished from
others, preventing duplicate entries and maintaining data integrity. For instance,'Student's
record' the 'Reg No' can be referred to as a primary key as it is always unique and never null.
Query: A query is the most powerful object for retrieving information from a table based
on specific criteria or conditions. It allows you to find and extract data from the database by
creating and running the query.
Database and DBMS—An Introduction 79

