Week 18: CST363 1st week!

    Taking two weeks off at the start was a great way to ease into this course. It gave me a moment to catch my breath and prepare mentally for what’s ahead. But now, as we progress, the coursework is proving to be quite overwhelming, especially this week. The journey from understanding basic concepts to applying them has been intense, but I'm slowly finding my rhythm.

Relational Database Tables vs. Spreadsheets: Understanding the Difference

They both have rows and columns! However, the differences become apparent when you start working with them. In a spreadsheet, data is typically managed manually, and each cell can hold a different type of information, leading to potential inconsistencies. On the other hand, relational databases enforce data integrity through structured fields and relationships between tables, ensuring that the data remains accurate and consistent. 

Why Invest Time in Learning Databases?

    Setting up and configuring a database, is far more complex than simply reading and writing data to a file. The reason for this complexity lies in the robustness and flexibility that databases offer. Database allow for powerful querying capabilities, can handle large volumes of data efficiently, and provide a level of security and integrity that simple file storage can’t match. Mastering database management will open doors to creating scalable, reliable, and efficient system, skills that are in high demand in almost any tech-related field.

What I Aim to Learn for My Future Career

    Looking ahead, I want to deepen my understanding of SQL and relational databases, focusing on how to design efficient databases and write complex queries. These skills will be incredibly useful in working in software development, data analysis, or even project management. Additionally, I’m keen to learn more about database optimization and security, ensuring that I can build systems that are not only efficient but also secure and scalable.