Relational database basics in Intro to Computing - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

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What is a relational database?

A relational database is like a digital filing cabinet where data is stored in tables. Each table has rows (records) and columns (fields), and tables can be connected by common information.

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What is a table in a relational database?

A table is like a spreadsheet sheet with rows and columns. Each row is a record (one item), and each column is a field (a type of information about the item).

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What is a primary key?

A primary key is a unique ID for each row in a table. It helps find and connect data quickly, like a student ID number in a school.

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What does 'relational' mean in relational databases?

Relational means tables are linked by common fields. For example, a 'Students' table and a 'Classes' table can connect using a student ID to show which classes a student takes.

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How does a foreign key work?

A foreign key is a field in one table that points to the primary key in another table. It’s like a reference or a link between two tables.

What is stored in the columns of a database table?

A Types of information (fields)

B Individual records

C Links between tables

D Database software

Columns hold the types of information, called fields, like 'Name' or 'Age'.

What is the purpose of a primary key?

A To sort data alphabetically

B To uniquely identify each row

C To connect to the internet

D To store multiple tables

The primary key uniquely identifies each row so you can find data easily.

How do tables in a relational database connect?

A By having the same number of rows

B By sharing the same software

C By storing images

D Using foreign keys

Tables connect using foreign keys that reference primary keys in other tables.

Which of these is an example of a relational database?

A A spreadsheet with multiple sheets linked by IDs

B A single text document

C A photo album

D A video player

A spreadsheet with linked sheets is similar to tables connected in a relational database.

What does a foreign key do?

A Creates a new table

B Deletes data

C Links one table to another

D Encrypts data

A foreign key links one table to another by referring to a primary key.

Explain how tables in a relational database are connected and why this is useful.

Think about how a student ID can connect student info to their classes.

Describe what a primary key is and give a real-life example.

Consider something that uniquely identifies a person or item.