Database Components
A database is a set of data organized for use by distinct applications, to facilitate the independent evolution of the data and the application programs.
A database consists of tables, columns, keys and indexes:
A table is the logical entity where columns are stored.
A column is contained in a table.
Just as an identifier uniquely identifies a class, the primary key for the table uniquely identifies a row in the table.
A foreign key accesses another table, and imposes consistency between the corresponding columns in the tables concerned.
An index accelerates access to data. It can be unique or not, and may be ascending or descending.