Using+Databases

 media type="custom" key="4392139" A database is ready for data entry and manipulation once it is designed and set up. The processing of database interactions can be set up using batch or transaction processing, or a combination of both of these methods.

[|Batch Processing] - data processing occurs at a a scheduled time, or when a critical point has been reached. Batch processing saves redundant effort by rearranging data all at once, rather than continuously. batch processing streamlines the process by carrying out the work during off-hours.


 * Transactional Processing** - is more continuous and tends to be done with smaller databases or with operational databases that require all information to be very current. A real-time system, can't afford to wait un til midnight to update. The data must be kept accurate down to the second in th systems that provide data for these types of critical functions.[| E-commerce] transactions use online transactional processing (OLTP). One of the great benefits of such systems is that they are effectively in business 24 hours a day - a quick response time.
 * Mixed Forms of Processing** - Transactional and batch processing techniques are often mixed in the same system. A transactional process may be used to handle credit card verifications while batch processing may be used to handle work orders requesting that items be taken from inventory and delivered to customers.

A **data entry operator** types data into databases and makes sure that it is accurate. media type="youtube" key="zJ0i9n8DZL4" height="364" width="445"
 * Database Users**
 * Adding records -** to the system is a common operation. If a student completes a course, a grade record is added to that student's transcript, listing the course taken, the date of completion, and the final grade received.
 * Modifying records** - if a correction is needed to any prior entry, the record in question could be brought up and the change made on a form, such as a letter grade B being changed to an A.
 * Deleting Records** - In the example of a college database, grade records are rarely deleted. Since a grade transcript database is really a data warehouse rather than an operational database, deleting a record does not make sense unless the grades were enterd in error and need to be corrected.
 * Sorting Records** - Sorting is a critical function for any database, and involves arranging records in a particular order, such as alphabetically or numerically. A phone book is a good example of a set of printed data sorted alphabetically. Most database systems sort records automatically on the basis of their primary key.