Chapter 5.8, Problem 5.1ARQ

Explanation of Solution

Purpose of the database:

The main purpose of the database is keeping track of things.

• It is a tool that is used to organize large amount of data.
• It is used in storing and transforming the data into information that can be used to support decision making.

Circumstance where a database is preferred with spreadsheets:

• Generally spreadsheets are also used to track things, the circumstance where a database is preferred with spreadsheets are when more information needs to be processed to obtain a certain decision.
• Spreadsheets are limited when more details regarding the data collected needs to be added.
• In that case database is preferred when more data needs to be added to calculate.

Example:

• The student information can be tracked and kept based on the course information.
  • Marks the students secured in each subject can be recorded and tracked using spreadsheet, but if more information regarding the student needs to be recorded and manipulated, database will be the choice when preferred with the spreadsheets.
• Database can handle more data as compared to spreadsheet and could be presented at a single place to the user...