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What is a Database Table?

January 28th, 2009 by Shenron

Databases are normally used to store information in a tabular form. It is almost the same as the spreadsheets found in Excel, but it is only there that their similarities end. Databases can be easily manipulated and accessed, unlike Excel’s spreadsheets. You can also link your databases with other software. Databases represent a more systematic storage since all information is arranged into tables. This way, any information stored is already placed in its own storage, thus, giving you an easy access to it. Another advantage of using a database table is that you can update the information stored by bulk and use them to cross reference with other tables easily. Using databases can be a big help, especially if you want to have your records stored and have an easy access.

Mysql Database Table Example

Database Table

A database is composed of tables, which stores related information. Tables are much like the ones you see in spreadsheets where there are rows and columns. A database table has a set number of columns, but it can have multiple rows. They are also used to better organize your records through the use of same characteristics and such. The database that you will use can have multiple tables. In order for the database to know which table it is supposed to access, it uses the primary key. A primary key can be one or more than one column. This way, once you want to input information or access one, all you need to do is type the primary key, and all the tables under it will appear. Some databases have their own unique primary key once you create a database just like the one found in Microsoft Access, although sometimes, it is considered to be a disadvantage rather than an advantage.

Tables may contain meta-information like constraints as well as values that may be included within columns. There are different kinds of databases that you may use. There is the relational database, flat file database, hierarchical database, and network database. All of these types have their own tables that hold information.

Why Use Database Tables?

Companies that have a large number of employees can use a database to store their records. Using the database table, columns can contain the employee ID, last name, first name, and middle name of the employee, while the rows are the ones that will hold the names of the employees of the company. Once you want to access a particular employee record, you can simply type in the primary key, and the record will immediately appear. Database tables are easy to create and manipulate. One of its features is its retrieval of records, which is far faster than other spreadsheets. A database needs to be able to hold a large number of information with the capability of fast retrieval before it can be considered to be an effective database. Once you have a general idea of spreadsheets, you wouldn’t have any trouble in using databases since they are almost the same. Remember that database tables are the ones that hold the information, and the information isn’t required to be physically stored in the computer holding the database.

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Posted in Architecture | | 2 Comments

2 Responses to ' What is a Database Table? '

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  1. What is a Data Dictionary? | Database Guides said,

    on February 21st, 2009 at 10:34 am

    [...] What is a Database Table? [...]

  2. What are Database Indexes? | Database Guides said,

    on April 10th, 2009 at 7:30 pm

    [...] What is a Database Table? [...]

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