Glossary of Terms

Introduction to databases

Keyword Definition
Accuracy The degree to which data or information is correct, precise, and free from errors.
Data Raw facts or figures that have not yet been processed or analyzed.
Data Partitioning A technique used in distributed databases to divide the data into smaller subsets or partitions, which are then stored on different nodes in the network.
Data Processing The transformation of raw data into a meaningful format through various operations and actions.
Data Quality The level of accuracy, completeness, and consistency of data.
Database A structured set of data stored electronically.
Database Management System (DBMS) A software system that manages databases, providing interfaces for users to interact with the data.
Decision Making The process of selecting a course of action or making a choice based on available data and information.
Delimiter A character used to separate fields or records within a flat file database, allowing for easy parsing and retrieval of data.
Distributed Database A type of database that stores data across multiple computers or servers, allowing for improved performance, fault tolerance, and scalability.
Field A component of a record in a flat file database that represents a single attribute or property of the entity being stored.
Flat File Database A type of database that stores data in a plain-text file without a complex structure.
Graph Database A type of database that uses graph structures to store, represent, and query relationships between complex interconnected data entities.
In-Memory Database A database system that primarily relies on the main memory (RAM) of a computer for data storage, instead of traditional disk storage.
Information Processed and analyzed data that is meaningful and useful.
Information Systems A system that collects, processes, stores, analyzes, and disseminates information for a specific purpose.
Interpretation The act of explaining or making sense of data or information by considering its context and implications.
Knowledge The understanding or awareness acquired through the interpretation and application of information.
Nosql Database A type of database that provides a non-relational data model, flexible schema, and horizontal scalability, often used for big data and real-time applications.
Object-Oriented Database A type of database that stores data as objects, which have their own properties and behaviors.
Record A unit of data in a flat file database that contains all relevant information about a specific entity or object.
Relational Database A type of database that organizes data into tables with rows and columns, and establishes relationships between tables.
Relevance The quality or state of being closely connected or appropriate to a specific purpose or topic.
Replication The process of creating and maintaining copies of data across multiple nodes in a distributed database for increased fault tolerance and availability.
SQL Structured Query Language, a programming language used for managing relational databases.
Spatial Database A database that is optimized for storing and querying spatial data, such as points, lines, and polygons.
Time-Series Database A type of database optimized for storing and retrieving time-stamped or time-series data, such as sensor readings or financial market data.
Value The worth or significance of data or information in a particular context.