In: Computer Science
Write a paragraph to reflect on what you have learned in this assignment in terms of the difference between relational databases versus spreadsheets. Discuss ways in which a relational database could be useful for your work (if you have a job) or for your personal or professional projects (if you are a full-time student)
SPREADSHEET -These are commonly used to control the environmental data but there are some limitations when you compare it with DATABASE.People tend to think that spreadsheet is a database.but SPREADSHEET IS NOT A DATABASE.
DATABASE-It is a computer program which stores,extracts and manipulates information.The information in a database management system in files whereas, in relational database management system the information is stored in tabular form.Examples of Relational Database include MySQL,Oracle database,Microsoft SQL server
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
Databases use tables as a means of storing and extracting information. Tables are organized as columns (fields) and rows (records). This tabular structure is similar to spreadsheets but most databases are relational, meaning that data between tables can be linked and used as a cross reference which is not the case in spreadsheets.
In a spreadsheet, the information is formatted. Therefore, adding new data can be tiresome. The database tables store raw data without formatting, data entry is much easier.There are mechanisms which make it easier for a database user to extract information.Data can be easily sorted whereas new reports can be generated without changing the source data.
WHY DATABASE OVER SPREADSHEETS?
.Database can easily handle numeric and text values and can also handle other information like document and image files.Spreadsheets can also incorporate numeric and text values but in low volumes.
.Data in separate spreadsheets cannot be easily compared and examined. Decisions based on these contrasting sets of information can be defective. When data are maintained in a centralized relational database, data is easily accessible for analysis, and reporting.Databases provide a flexibility to sort and present data in a myriad of ways that would be nearly impossible to do with two-dimensional spreadsheets.
.Relational databases follow standardized integrity rules to ensure that the data they contain are accurate and accessible.
.Preventing and efficiently identifying data errors in spreadsheets is difficult .It can happen that you may accidentally overwrite or delete data in a spreadsheet but thats not the case in a database.
.Modern Relational databases are designed for multiple users. A spreadsheet is a bad choice for situations that require many users to share information, add new data,or make changes to data.
HOW IS IT USEFUL?
Databases allow for data to be stored quickly and easily and are used in many aspects of your daily life.Databases are obviously used in business applications and financial transactions. Banks, video rental store and clothing stores all use databases to keep track of customer, employee and accounting information.
In universities to store student information, course registrations, colleges and grades.schools use a database to store details about their pupils, eg how many days they've been off school sick.We can also store our subject grades in database
Information about employees, salaries, payroll, deduction, generation of paychecks in Firms.
A hospital will store details of all its patients in a database example a history of their health issues.The Government uses a database to store records of people's income tax payments.
If I am willing to be an entrepreneur then I will use database to store information of my employees,their wages and the number of days they have been present whereas as a student I can store my subject marks on a database.
Hope you like it.
Thankyou Sir/Ma'am.