Introduction to SQL about basics of Database tables rows columns
Database tables and records are some of the simple terms we have to understand before moving towards advance topics. The main purpose of database is to store data which we can add , delete or update as and when required. We can store information or data in a simple text file or a CSV file but we will not able to handle it properly and efficiently when we will be handling large and complex interlinked data. Let us try to understand first what is a table.
Table & Record
Table is combination of a structure and some associated data or records in it. Table consist of columns which stores a particular data type and records are data we store in our table. For example we will store each employee data in an employee table. We will add one record or row when one employ joins our organization and delete the same records when he or she resign. We can update or change his department when he gets transferred to a different section of the organization.
Database
When we work in a group of related tables for a project we will group them together and store in a single database. For example in the same database server our marketing department will store all its customer data and sales related data in a marketing database ( in different tables ). Similarly we will store all employee related tables inside HR database. The tables inside a database are closely related. However we are free to store any types of table in any database.
Users of a database
We create users with login id and password to assign permission to different database. Usually the permission are given to required database only. HR manager should have access to employee database and should not able to update any records of marketing database.
User previlages are decided by database administrator who is the super user or root user of the database.
Try to contact database administrator of your organization and find out how the users are created and privileges are assigned.
Why use Database or Table or Records in your script.
Say you are using a student management system where you will keep all the details of students in a table. Student name, address, class of study is kept inside student table as records. Each student has one record in this table. In another table we will keep student marks. Each student will get different marks in different subjects. Similarly we will keep student fee payment details in another table.
All these three tables are kept inside one database and name of the database is student_management.
In a simple term � we keep data in records of tables and keep tables in database.
Advantage of using Database
Record keeping started with Notebooks or registers and then migrated to database or software based system. Let us analyze the advantage and disadvantage of maintain database system to store records.
Accuracy
Once data is available and processing logics are established correctly, we get accurate output from the system. With a large amount of records or data it is difficult to maintain same level of accuracy in a manual system.
In a student table by using simple query we can find out average mark obtained by students in a class.
Accuracy increases with database management system.
Security
By controlling the access to the database we can manage who can read data or who can update data or who can't access the data. Security increases with database management system.
Flexibility
As the data is maintained centrally the updating and adding records became easy from any location with proper access control. Flexibility goes up.
Accessibility
Once the results are available then all can view the marks from any terminal. Data can be accessed for multiple points.
Disadvantages
Some of the disadvantages are here.
High initial cost
Cost of hardware and software including License fees are to be paid at the beginning.
High Maintenance cost
IT department became part of any organization. To maintain software and hardware we require high skill manpower.
High Training requirement
User and maintenance team both has to upgrade their skill with the change in technology.