database Hear it!

database Definition

data·base (----bās′)

noun

  1. a large collection of data in a computer, organized so that it can be expanded, updated, and retrieved rapidly for various uses
  2. any large or extensive collection of information

Database (DB) Hacker Definition

A collection of information organized in a way that a software program can rapidly find wanted pieces of data—an electronic filing system. Databases are organized by fields (defined as one information piece), records (defined as a complete set of fields), and files or tables (defined as a collection of records).

A database is analogous to a telephone book. It is a large electronic file containing a list of records each having three fields: name of telephone owner, address of telephone owner, and telephone number of telephone owner.

An alternative concept in database design is called hypertext—a database in which any object (such as a picture or a file) can be linked to any other object, thus serving as a useful means of organizing vast amounts of unrelated information.

In recent years, information systems experts have discussed database management systems (DBMS), a collection of programs allowing users to not only enter information located in a database but to select particular information of interest. Thus, increasingly, the term database has come to stand for DBMS.

See Also: Database (DB).

Jupitermedia Corporation database. [Online, June 27, 2003.] Jupitermedia Corporation Website. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/database.html.

database Telecom Definition

A file comprising a collection of related information organized in a manner that enables operations such as searching and sorting the data.

database Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • computerize: Review Four computerized databases were searched for English-language papers.
  • compile: Indeed today, government agencies, primarily law enforcement, are the top users of the many databases compiled by private sector information brokers.
  • search: Search the flights database Please search by either pilot, or take-off, or glider.
  • maintain: The Arts Service maintains a comprehensive database of service providers in the arts community.
  • centralize: The WinRMIS will provide a centralized database for stock control, warehousing, purchasing, distribution and merchandising.
  • update: Spam Tests How often is the spam database updated?

Adjective modifier

  • searchable: Free searchable database of student houses, flats, homes in the private sector in Buckinghamshire!
  • relational: Open Office version 2 includes a fine relational database.
  • bibliographic: Bibliographic databases These allow you to find library materials that you cannot find on OLIS, e.g.
  • online: By searching our online vacancy database you will get an idea of the sort of position we can help you with.
  • comprehensive: A very comprehensive database for any information about cinema.
  • electronic: The electronic databases give you access to a search screen that allows you to search for broad or narrow topics.

Modifies a noun

  • schema: This enables the resulting information model and eventually the database schema to be independent of the hardware platforms.
  • server: The database server is a permanently running program in principle similar to a WWW server.
  • administrator: Provides basic application information key for systems administrators, database administrators and managers who need to know about the networking aspects of their systems.
  • table: The Database Table Manager gives you total control over you're MySQL database tables.
  • query: Database queries can be issued from the command-line, or from within emacs, serving as an augmented tags facility.

Noun used with modifier

  • antivirus: You will need to download antivirus database updates manually.
  • DNA: SSAHA: a fast search method for large DNA databases.
  • computer: Data Protection Act 1998 Media Generation Events Limited will hold your email address on its computer database.