Explore a database
During this course you will be exploring and modifying an example database that tracks computer sales.
Computer sales database
The computer sales database you will be using is an SQLite relational database.
SQLite databases are stored in single, self-contained files. SQLite is the most widely used database in the world, partly because it’s very simple to use and has very low hardware and software overheads. In computing, an overhead refers to the processing time required by hardware or software. Other relational databases are MySQL, PostgreSQL, Access, and SQL Server.
In this step, you will explore the structure and contents of the computer sales database and see how a database can be used to store specific information.
Browse the database
To access a database, you need to use a software package known as a database management system (DBMS). The DBMS is used to define, manipulate, retrieve, and manage data in a database. Most databases come with their own DBMS software.
You will need to use an SQLite DBMS during this course. I recommend using either:
- DB Browser for SQLite (preferred): an installable, open-source SQLite DBMS
- SQLite Online: an online SQLite DBMS
1. Download and install DB Browser for SQLite or open SQLite Online.
2. Download the example computer_sales.db SQLite database file.
If you are using DB Browser:
3. Click Open Database and select the computer_sales.db file you downloaded.
When the database is open, you will see three tables, manufacturer, model, and sales, in the Database Structure tab.
4. Click on the Browse Data tab and select a Table to see the contents of the database.
If you are using SQLite Online:
3. Click File, then Open DB and select the computer_sales.db file you downloaded.
When the database is open, you will see three tables, manufacturer, model, and sales, in the Table section under SQLite.
4. Right-click on the name of a table and click SELECT (Show table) to see the contents of the database.
Challenge
By looking through the data in the database, can you find the computer that has the least amount of RAM from a company that is still trading?
In the comments section, describe how you found the data.
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