How Databases Work: Relational Data Basics · Lesson 1 · 3 minutes
Meet the table
Identify what a database table holds.
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Sara's book list
Sara runs a bookstore. She keeps a list of books in a database table.
One kind of thing
A table holds records about only one kind of thing. It does not mix everything together.
Sara needs to track customers too. What should she do?
- Make a new table just for customers.
- Put customers into the books table.
Answer: Make a new table just for customers.
A table should hold only one kind of thing.
Complete the rule for Sara's bookstore:
Sara puts books in the books table. She puts customer names in the ___ table.
Answer: Sara puts books in the books table. She puts customer names in the customers table.
A database uses different tables for different things.
Can one big table hold books, customers, and staff pay?
- No, each topic needs its own table.
- Yes, one table should hold the whole business.
Answer: No, each topic needs its own table.
A single table should never hold all data for an entire business.
Naming a table
A table name tells you what kind of thing is inside. It is usually plural, like `books`.
Match each kind of thing to its table name:
Answer: books customers
Clear table names tell us exactly what kind of thing is stored.
Which name is best for a table of customer orders?
- orders
- stuff
- bookstore_all
Answer: orders
A table name should clearly describe the one thing it holds.
What to remember
- A database table holds only one kind of thing.
- Different things get separate tables.
- A good table name clearly describes what is inside.
Next in this course: Read a row. It carries on in the Breni app.