Data Management Software Key Terms

Make sense of some key terms relating to data management software

Data management software is computer software that allows users to interact with various databases. If you don't have a background in computers, you may need to learn the jargon and vocabulary when you're trying to find more information about data management software. Key terms include what a database actually is, the names of popular database management applications such as MySQL and PHP, and the terms that refer to how to manage the data, such as macro, table and query.

 

Database

A database is a collection of data or information. The database organizes the information so that you can easily retrieve parts of it, manipulate it, add to it, change it or use it in other ways. A relational database, a common form of database, stores data in tables and allows you to reorganize the data so that you can access it.
Try: Find an explanation of what a database is at the SearchSQLServer section of TechTarget.

MySQL

MySQL is a relational database management system written using open source code, which allows users the ability to access and rewrite the programming code. The SQL in MySQL stands for structured query language, which means the system can add, remove and modify the content of the database.
Try: Get a detailed definition of MySQL at TechTerms.com, which provides an alphabetical listing of computer-related terms.

PHP

PHP is a scripting language that allows Web programmers to place or embed scripts within the code of a Web site or Web page. These scripts can interact with databases to do many useful things. PHP also has the advantage of being relatively easy to learn and use.
Try: IceTeks offers in-depth information on PHP, including free tutorials for working with it. A manual on PHP is available at The PHP Group.

Macro

A macro is a script or small program that allows the computer user to perform an often-repeated set of tasks with a couple of keystrokes. Macros can perform tasks within an application or they can automate the typing of common database records such as a company name or address. These short scripts are easy to create and save time.
Try: Learn what a macro is at Insight Software Solutions.

Query

The dictionary defines a query as a question so it isn't surprising that a query on a database is the way to retrieve data from the database. A select query is a simple kind of query that just asks for data, while an action query can perform operations like adding, updating or even deleting a record in a database. Query tools are the parts of the data management software that allow the user to make queries in order to get information from the database.
Try: Read definitions of query and query tools at DataMentors.

Table

A table is a way to organize data in rows and columns. Each cell contains a unit of information, and generally, each row is one record or set of data about one object or item. Many data management applications use tables to organize and display the data in a database.
Try: Learn more about tables and how you can use them in databases from InformIT.

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