# Lesson Notes — Databases — Records, Fields, and Tables

- Link: https://doss.academy/course-1-computer-literacy/unit-4-digital-productivity-applications/lesson-3-databases-records-fields-and-tables/lesson-notes-c1u4l3/
- Published: 2026-10-19T12:09:16-04:00
- Author: matthew.leffler@jefferson.kyschools.us

Course 1: Computer Literacy / Unit 4: Digital Productivity Applications / Lesson
3: Databases — Records, Fields, and Tables

## Lesson overview

A **database** is an organized collection of information that makes it easy to store,
find, and update. Schools, stores, hospitals, and games all rely on databases. If
you have ever searched your contacts list, you have used one.

## The building blocks

 * A **table** holds information about one kind of thing, such as students.
 * A **record** is one row in the table, which describes one item or person.
 * A **field** is one column, which holds one type of information, such as grade
   level.
 * A **primary key** is a field whose value is unique for every record, like a student
   ID number. It makes sure two records can never be confused.

  |  Student ID |  Name |  Grade |  Club |  
   |  1001 |  Ana |  10 |  Robotics |  
 |  1002 |  Marcus |  11 |  Art |  
 |  1003 |  Priya |  10 |  Chess |

In this table, each row is a record, each column is a field, and Student ID is the
primary key.

## Working with the data

 * **Sorting** puts records in order, such as alphabetically by name.
 * **Filtering** shows only the records that match a rule, such as Grade equals 
   10.
 * A **query** is a question you ask the database, such as which students are in
   the Chess club.
 * A **schema** is the plan for how the database is built: its tables, fields, and
   the type of data each field holds.
 * **Data integrity** means the information is accurate and consistent. Rules such
   as required fields and unique IDs help protect it.

## Spreadsheet or database?

A spreadsheet is great for calculating and for small lists. A database is better
when you have a lot of information, when many people use it, or when different tables
connect to each other.

## Check your understanding

 1. In the table above, how many records and how many fields are there?
 2. Why would a school not use a person’s name as the primary key?
 3. Write a query in plain English to find all students in Grade 10.

Use this lesson’s Key Terms page to build your glossary.