1.
Database
A structured collection of data stored electronically that allows efficient access, management, and
manipulation.
2. DBMS (Database Management System)
A software system that enables users to define, create, maintain, and control access to databases.
Examples include MySQL, Oracle, and PostgreSQL.
3. SQL (Structured Query Language)
A programming language used to manage and manipulate relational databases. SQL includes commands
for data definition (DDL), data manipulation (DML), and data control (DCL).
4. Primary Key
A unique identifier for each record in a table. It ensures no two rows have the same value in the primary
key column.
5. Foreign Key
A field (or collection of fields) in one table that uniquely identifies a row in another table. It establishes a
relationship between the two tables.
6. Normalization
A process of organizing data in a database to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity. It involves
decomposing tables into smaller ones based on functional dependencies. Common forms are:
1NF (First Normal Form): Eliminates duplicate columns; ensures each field contains only atomic
values.
2NF (Second Normal Form): Removes partial dependencies.
3NF (Third Normal Form): Removes transitive dependencies.
7. ER Diagram (Entity-Relationship Diagram)
A visual representation of the database structure that shows entities, attributes, and relationships.
8. Index
A database object that improves the speed of data retrieval operations on a table at the cost of slower
write operations.
9. View
A virtual table derived from one or more tables. It does not store data itself but provides a way to
simplify complex queries.
10. Transaction
A sequence of database operations performed as a single logical unit of work. It follows the ACID
properties:
Atomicity: Ensures all operations are completed; if not, none are.
Consistency: Maintains database integrity before and after the transaction.
Isolation: Transactions do not interfere with each other.
Durability: Changes remain permanent after a transaction is completed.
11. Trigger
A set of SQL statements automatically executed in response to certain events (INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE)
on a table.
12. Joins
Used to combine rows from two or more tables based on a related column:
INNER JOIN: Returns matching rows.
LEFT JOIN: Returns all rows from the left table and matching rows from the right.
RIGHT JOIN: Returns all rows from the right table and matching rows from the left.
FULL OUTER JOIN: Returns rows from both tables, with NULLs for unmatched rows.
13. Stored Procedure
A precompiled SQL code stored in the database, which can be reused multiple times for a specific task.
14. Data Redundancy
The duplication of data in a database, leading to wastage of storage and potential inconsistencies.
15. Schema
The overall logical structure of a database, including its tables, fields, relationships, and constraints.
16. Constraints
Rules enforced on data in a table to ensure data integrity. Examples:
NOT NULL: Ensures a column cannot have NULL values.
UNIQUE: Ensures all values in a column are distinct.
CHECK: Ensures data in a column meets specific criteria.
