What is the data dictionary?

A computer database is a digital file system that maintains critical information for the company. The data dictionary is a detailed data map of each element and file table in the database. This map is considered a data catalog that contains each table name, field name, field type and general description of all elements in the database.

The data dictionary is one of the most important documents for the computer application. Provides a general description of data content in the database. It also defines format rules, restrictions and rules for data integrity. Without this dictionary, the future modification of the application could become impossible. This is due to physical restrictions on databases designed many decades ago. Many names are shortened and not too intuitive to limit the size of the field name. The data dictionary is a necessity for managing the inheritance data. Unfortunately, there is no formal audit process for database design. When creating a database, it is usually the responsibility of the development team to introduce proven procedures. ManyNewcomers can define column names with general descriptions. This general convention of names is extremely non -intuitive and poor practice, which can lead to an unmanageable database.

The data dictionary can help with the intuitive database design. This dictionary will define in detail each field name and metadata with a description of how the data is used. Having this dictionary can help future developers to determine how best to adjust the system for future improvements.

The

database consists of tables and field names. The table is a file that contains information about a specific type of data. An example of a table could be a human table. The table of the person should be launched especially for the inclusion of the first name, surname and middle name. The data dictionary is a document that defines the details of each field in the database tables.

The data dictionary is similar to the catalog system in the library. Each table is documents as a particular JEdnotka with details definition of field names in the table. The definition should include the size, type and expected field value. It should also define any relationships that a table with other data elements in the database may have.

The required field is a data element that must always be filled before the application allows you to save data to the file system. Not all data elements are considered to be the required fields. The data dictionary should also document which fields are required. This helps the future development team to understand the rules incorporated into the database.