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Database Design Week 1 Assignment

The document outlines an assignment on database design, focusing on key terms such as database, table, record, and primary key, along with their definitions. It also discusses the purpose of primary keys, the difference between a database and a Database Management System (DBMS), and the importance of normalization in improving data integrity. An example of normalization's application in Netflix's recommendation system is provided to illustrate its benefits.

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10 views2 pages

Database Design Week 1 Assignment

The document outlines an assignment on database design, focusing on key terms such as database, table, record, and primary key, along with their definitions. It also discusses the purpose of primary keys, the difference between a database and a Database Management System (DBMS), and the importance of normalization in improving data integrity. An example of normalization's application in Netflix's recommendation system is provided to illustrate its benefits.

Uploaded by

Luvuno Nzole
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Week 1 Assignment

Database Design - Data vs. Information


______________________________________________________
Assignment 1 Instructions:
Write your solutions in a Google Doc document.
Ensure that your Google Doc is set to "Anyone with the link can view."
Share the link to your Google Doc via the submission link provided below.
______________________________________________________
NAME: IRENE MURUGI

Section A: Definitions

1. Define the following key terms related to databases:

1.1.1. Database - A database is an organized collection of structured information, or


data, typically stored electronically in a computer system. A database is usually
controlled by a database management system (DBMS).

1.1.2. Table - A database table is a structure that organizes data into rows and columns.

1.1.3. Record - a collection of fields that contain data about a given entity.

1.1.4. Field - is often used to refer to the individual cells within a row or column.

1.1.5. Primary Key - is a special relational database table column (or combination of
columns) designated to uniquely identify each table record.

1.1.6. SQL - is a computer language that we use to interact with a relational database.

1.1.7. Query - is a request for data or information from a database table or combination
of tables.

1.1.8. Index - is a data structure that can increase a database’s efficiency in accessing
tables.

1.1.9. Normalization - is the process of organizing a database to reduce redundancy and


improve data integrity.

1.1.10. Database Management System (DBMS) - is a tool we use to create and manage
databases.
2. Section B: Discussions

2.1.1. Describe the purpose of a primary key in a database table and provide an example.

Primary Key - A key that uniquely identifies records in a table.

For this case social_security_number is the primary key.

2.1.2. Explain the difference between a database management system (DBMS) and a
database.
A database is a collection of organized data that is stored and accessed
electronically. It is designed to efficiently manage and store large amounts of information
while a Database Management System (DBMS), is a software application that allows
users to interact with the database

2.1.3. Discuss in short, the importance of normalization in database design and provide an
example of how it can improve data integrity.
Normalization ensures data isn't repeated within the database. This elimination of
redundancy leads to significant savings in storage space.

For example: The streaming service Netflix operates a recommendation system, which
relies heavily on user data. Normalization allows Netflix to efficiently manage user
profiles, viewing histories, and ratings data, reducing redundancy and ensuring accurate
recommendations. This helps provide a more personalized user experience.

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