In the subject of ICT and computers, the term field refers to a unit or data. For example, if you are on a website and it asks you fill out some information such as your first and last name and your address, each of these is a field of data. Think of each field being a separate cell in a spreadsheet document that you put information into. It a database, the field names are usually listed across the top of the spreadsheet.
Data that consists of several parts can be divided into fields. Relational databases arrange data as sets of database records, which are also called rows. In a database system, fields are the smallest units of information that you can access. A collection of fields together is called a record so without fields, there would be no records of data.
Fields are everywhere that you look, on an exam paper when you are asked to write your name and student number in the boxes, your tax forms, your online banking and online shops. But only specific pieces of information need to be entered into them, like them are programmed to recognise, otherwise they will not work.
Most fields have certain attributes that are associated with them for example, some require numerical input whereas others are textual, some are long and others short. Some fields have a unique data value whereas others do not.
In database management systems, there are three different types of fields, which can be calculated, optional or required. Firstly, an optional field is one that you can leave blank if you wish, whereas you have to fill in a required field. A calculated field is a field whose value is derived from information that was inserted into other fields. You do not enter data into this field, it is done for you by the computer.
Data that consists of several parts can be divided into fields. Relational databases arrange data as sets of database records, which are also called rows. In a database system, fields are the smallest units of information that you can access. A collection of fields together is called a record so without fields, there would be no records of data.
Fields are everywhere that you look, on an exam paper when you are asked to write your name and student number in the boxes, your tax forms, your online banking and online shops. But only specific pieces of information need to be entered into them, like them are programmed to recognise, otherwise they will not work.
Most fields have certain attributes that are associated with them for example, some require numerical input whereas others are textual, some are long and others short. Some fields have a unique data value whereas others do not.
In database management systems, there are three different types of fields, which can be calculated, optional or required. Firstly, an optional field is one that you can leave blank if you wish, whereas you have to fill in a required field. A calculated field is a field whose value is derived from information that was inserted into other fields. You do not enter data into this field, it is done for you by the computer.
