5 – Searching

• Understand that computer databases are much quicker to search than paper databases.
• Know how to perform simple database searches/queries.
• Be able to use operators to perform complex database searches.

• Database
• Table

• Field
• Query

• Record

• Download the Starter Activity below and search the “paper” database manually by following the tasks.

What is a Query?

• Something which helps you search for information stored within a database.
• You use Queries to extract Information based on criteria.

What is a Simple Query?

• Simple queries require only basic criteria in order to perform the search.
• The following are examples of simple queries:

1. A role of Super Hero
2. Number of powers is 3
3. Ability 2 is Strength

• Here is a reminder of the operators you can use in your searches

Mathematical Operators

Operator Symbol	Descripton
>	More Than or After
<	Less Than or Before
>=	More Than or Equal To
<=	Less Than or Equal To

Logical Operators

Operator Symbol	Description
Between And	Between 1980 And 2000
Or	January Or April
Not	Used to exclude data – Not Male

• Download the worksheet and use the operators above to complete the worksheet.
• Then upload it to the Silver badge task on Bourne to Learn.

What is a Complex Query?

• Complex queries give you more control over what you are searching for. They are especially useful for numbers.
• The following are examples of complex queries:

1. Characters with Between 3 And 7 powers
2. Characters that cost less than $350 to insure
3. Characters with an ability 1 of Acrobatics OR Intelligence

• Download the worksheet and complete it.
• Then upload it to the Gold badge task on Bourne to Learn.

• Download the worksheet and use the operator information below to complete the worksheet.
• Then upload it to the Platinum badge task on Bourne to Learn.

Super Complex Operators

Operator Symbol	Description
Like * *	Contains the word between the ** – Like *kite*
Like a*	Fields starting with a
Like *a	Fields ending with a
Null	Used to display fields that contain no data
“?????”	Used to search fields for particular number of characters (in this case 5)

Database – collection of data or information that has been stored in an organised way.

Field – one type or one piece of information.

Record – all the data about a person or an object.

Table – collection of the database’s fields and records.

Query – A set of instructions on how to search a database.

In this lesson, you…

• Learnt that computer databases are much quicker to search than paper databases.
• Saw how to perform simple database searches/queries.
• Are now able to use operators to perform complex database searches.

In the next lesson, you will…

• Know what is required in order to setup a database from scratch.
• Be able to setup a database independently with the purpose of storing student information.

• Upload your completed Simple Searches worksheet to the Silver badge task on Bourne to Learn.

• Upload your completed Complex Searches worksheet to the Gold badge task on Bourne to Learn.

• Upload your completed Super Complex Searches worksheet to the Platinum badge task on Bourne to Learn.