Tag: Glossary

A database that consists of two or more data files located at different sites on a computer network. Because the database is distributed, different users can access it without interfering with one another (see also interoperable database). In transportation agencies, distributed databases enable multiple individuals in separate locations to run different applications using the same… Continue reading Distributed Database

An information processing and analysis tool that accesses or queries the source database or data warehouse across a network using an appropriate database interface. The desktop application manages the human interface between data sources and data users.

A generic term used to refer to a computer system or software that supports data analysis, reporting, and other data processing capabilities to help an organization or enterprise (see definition of enterprise) make informed decisions.

Often used interchangeably to refer to hardware or software. Both uses pertain to the same principle—a database architecture prepared to receive requests from a third party, or client, and respond to those requests by delivering a particular type of information. In either case, appropriate software is the core of the system. Referring to a piece… Continue reading Database Server

The process of duplicating a portion of a database from one environment to another and keeping the data in other environments consistent with the data in the source database.

A request for information from a database. There are three general methods for posing queries: (1) Choosing parameters from a menu: In this method, the database system presents a list of parameters from which to choose. This is perhaps the easiest way to pose a query because the menus provide guidance, but it is also… Continue reading Database Query

Defines a data object as containing code (sequences of computer instructions) and data (information that the instructions operate on). Traditionally, code and data have been kept apart. In an object-oriented data model, the code and data are merged into a single indivisible thing—an object.

Data items organized as a set of formally described tables from which data can be accessed or reassembled in many ways without having to reorganize the database tables. Each table (sometimes called a relation) contains one or more data categories in columns. Each row contains a unique instance of data for the categories defined by… Continue reading Relational Model

A special case of the hierarchical data model in which each record type can have multiple owners (e.g., purchase orders are owned by both customers and products).

A data model that links records together like a family tree, but each record type has only one owner (e.g., a purchase order is owned by only one customer). Hierarchical data structures were widely used in the first mainframe database management systems. However, due to their restrictions, they often cannot be used to relate structures… Continue reading Hierarchical Model