Databases

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Sample objectives

What this unit covers

• Create a database structure: Develop a database structure by importing data from existing files such as .csv or .txt, using designated field names to create tables. Assign suitable data types to fields, including text, numeric (integer, decimal, currency), date/time, and Boolean/logical. Specify sub-types for numeric data, such as percentage and decimal places, and determine the display format for Boolean/logical fields (yes/no, true/false, checkbox) and date/time data. Create and modify primary and foreign keys, establish relationships between tables, and design a data entry form that includes specified fields, appropriate font styles and sizes, adequate spacing between fields, character spacing for individual fields, effective use of white space, and options like radio buttons, check boxes, and drop-down menus. Candidates should understand the different types of databases, the characteristics, uses, advantages, and disadvantages of flat file and relational databases, as well as the roles of primary and foreign keys and the principles of good form design.
• Manipulate data: Manipulate data effectively. Students should be capable of: Performing calculations by utilizing arithmetic operations or numeric functions, which includes creating calculated fields and controls. Employing formulae and functions to execute calculations in real-time, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, as well as determining sum, average, maximum, minimum, and count. Sorting data based on one or multiple criteria to arrange it in either ascending or descending order. Searching and selecting data by applying one or multiple criteria to extract specific subsets using queries, and conducting searches with various operators like AND, OR, NOT, LIKE, >, <, =, >=, <=, and <>. Additionally, using wildcards in searches.
• Present data: Present data effectively. Students should be capable of: Displaying data, Creating reports that include all necessary data and labels, Utilizing suitable headers and footers in a database report such as report header, report footer, page header, and page footer, Setting report titles, Generating various output formats while managing how data and labels are displayed, whether in tabular or columnar style, Aligning data and labels correctly, including right alignment for numeric data and decimal alignment, Managing the display format of numeric data, including specifying the number of decimal places, currency symbols, and percentages.