Web Database Structure

A web database uses the same basic structure as any other database. Structured Query Language (SQL) is the industry standard language for creating, accessing and manipulating any database. A scripting language like PHP or ASP is needed to connect a web database with a web page.

Tables

A database consists of tables that represent specific sets of data. For example, you might have a customer table that consists of name, address and phone number fields. Each record within that table represents a different customer.

Primary Keys

Each table has a primary key which is a unique identifier assigned to each record. Primary keys are used to link multiple tables together. For example, a table called "Purchases" might consist of item numbers, date and purchase amount. Each record would represent a specific purchase. Since a purchase is made by a customer the primary key field of the customer would be included in each purchase record.

Web Access

Web pages use scripting languages to connect to and access online databases. The script sends a user ID and password to the database to establish a connection, then allows users to query, update and add records.

References

• Comptechdoc.org: SQL Database Structure
• DeepTraining.com: Fundamentals of Relational Database Design