Parts of a Database

Collation

The assembly of written information into a standard order, making queries faster and easier so that a user can find an element in a list of variables.

Column

In database management systems, column is another name for field.

Database

A collection of information organized in such a way that a computer program can quickly select desired pieces of data, similar to an electronic filing system.

Field

A variable within a table that can be altered, added or deleted; contrasting a row.

Host

A unique name for the computer system (server) that contains all data which is accessed by a user from a remote location. An example of a host pertaining to SQL would be "localhost."

Parameter

A characteristic that can be used to customize a database or its variables.

Permissions

User set privileges that can be applied to the users of a database to dictate how the internal scripts execute, write and are read to other users or viewers of a website.

Query

A request for information from a database.

Row

A numbered horizontal group of cells, contrasting a column or field within a database.

String

The portion of dynamic URL that contains the search parameters when a dynamic website is searched. Strings do not exist until a user plugs in the variables into a database search where the search engine will then create the dynamic URL with the query string based on the results.

User

An individual who has access to a database or the server.

Functions

Export

A database function of formatting data by creating a file in a format that another database or application can understand, enabling the sharing of data.

Import

A database function of reading and using data produced by a different database or application.

Remote Access

The ability to access a database on a server from a distant, whitelisted IP. This normally is done by means of SSH or a remote access program such as Navicat or Dreamweaver.

SQL-Based Terms

SQL

Structured Query Language is a standardized language for requesting information from a database. It can be pronounced either as 'see-kwell' or as separate letters.

SQL Injection

A parameter form of attack on a database-driven website in which the attacker executes unauthorized SQL commands by taking advantage of insecure code on a system connected to the internet by means of bypassing the firewall. These attacks are used to steal information that would not normally be available or to gain access to an organization's host system by using the database. SQL injections can be avoided by ensuring that a system has a strong input validation.

SQL Server

A database management system that can respond to queries from client machines formatted in the SQL language.