A design and implementation study of query-by-example
Neroli Helen Anderson · UC Research Repository (University of Canterbury) · 1982
Society today is becoming increasingly information-oriented and thus it is now important to determine means of organising data to maximise its utility. This requirement and the rapid expansion of computer technology have lead to the development of the concept of "a database". Defined simply, a database system may be viewed as "a computer system whose overall [function] is to record and maintain information". The nature of information is such that it will never be possible to define rigorously a structure to which every item of data will conform. This inherent complexity accounts for its usefulness to society and interest to Computer Scientists. A database will contain that information which is significant to the operation of the organisation in which the system functions. Further, this data will be structured in the manner most suitable to the application(s). Data collection, storage, update and retrieval constitute the basic functions required of any information management system. The design of the methods of implementation of these operations is subject to a number of variable external factors such as source(s), structure, quantity, nature and users of the information.