collection of data stored on a computer storage medium in a common pool for access on an as-needed basis. The same pool of information can serve many applications, even those not anticipated at the time the database was created. This is in contrast to traditional methods of data storage that hold a fixed amount of data retrievable in a predetermined format, often duplicating the storage of information in as many files as there are applications. For example, the name and address of the same customer may be in a marketing file, a billing file, and an addressing file. If any one of these applications changes, and the programs that access and use the customer record change, then the customer file must change.
a collection of data stored on a computer storage medium, such as a disk, that can be used for more than one purpose. For example, a firm that maintains a database containing information on its employees will be able to use the same data for payroll, personnel, and other purposes.
store of information that is sorted, indexed, and summarized and accessible to people with computers. Databases containing market and stock histories are available from a number of commercial sources.
collection of data stored on a computer storage medium in a common pool for access on an as-needed basis. The same pool of information can serve many applications, even those not anticipated at the time the database was created. This is in contrast to traditional methods of data storage that hold a fixed amount of data retrievable in a predetermined format, often duplicating the storage of information in as many files as there are applications. For example, the name and address of the same customer may be in a marketing file, a billing file, and an addressing file. If any one of these applications changes, and the programs that access and use the customer record change, then the customer file must change. In database systems, the customer information is retrievable for each application from a shared file that is not dependent upon the application programs for its structure.
