ICDL Databases study guide
ICDL Databases · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
ICDL Databases is one of the module-based certifications offered within the ICDL programme, a global digital-skills certification scheme delivered through a network of accredited test centres. The ICDL Foundation describes itself as a global social enterprise committed to raising standards of digital competence in the workforce, education and society, and states that ICDL certification is available in more than 100 countries through more than 20,000 testing centres. The ICDL Databases study guide has 5 sections and about 1,535 words.
01Database Concepts
A database is an organised collection of related data stored so that it can be retrieved, updated and managed efficiently. A database management system (DBMS) is the software that sits between the user and the stored data, handling storage, security, concurrency and backup.
329 words, about 2 min02Tables and Relationships
Good design starts with deciding what each table represents and giving it a single subject. Each field should hold one atomic value, have a sensible data type (text, number, date/time, currency, yes/no), and carry constraints such as required (not null), unique, or a default value.
308 words, about 2 min03Queries
A query retrieves, filters, sorts and calculates data from one or more tables. In a select query you choose fields, set criteria, choose sort order, and optionally use aggregate functions such as count, sum, average, minimum and maximum.
299 words, about 1 min04Forms
Forms provide a structured interface for entering, viewing and editing data without working directly in tables. They can be bound to a table or query, or unbound.
307 words, about 2 min05Reports and Output
Reports present data in a formatted, printable layout, usually based on a table or query. Know the report sections: report header and footer (once per report), page header and footer (every page), group header and footer (per group), and the detail section (per record).
292 words, about 1 min