1. Describe your understanding of relational databases versus spreadsheets
For our Fall 2022 STEM class, we focused on building a relational database from data gathered online. When we started the semester, I wasn’t sure what to expect and quickly found that building a database would require learning how to write prompts in order to build the database. Databases and spreadsheets work with each other, like a team. Spreadsheets are a great way to house large amounts of data that are categorized into columns and rows. Databases help to sort that data. When we want to order the data in a specific way, we use a database and build prompts that allow us to gather said data. This speeds up the process of locating very specific data and doing so with accuracy.
2. Provide an overview of the database class project
Our project started out by locating data through a website that houses large sets of data in the form of CSV files. We chose a topic of interest and started by creating a diagram of how the data would be organized. For our project, we used health data which compiled diseases by name, state, year, population, number of cases, and the increase in cases from the prior year. We used DB Browser for SQLite to create our database which housed the health data from the CSV file. In order for the database to house data, we had to create prompts, or SQL commands, that culled data into specific categories that can be searched. We created 3 tables that housed this data which allowed us to query specific questions like “Increase in measles cases for the state of Arizona in 1940”. A number of different queries can be carried out as long as the wording of the command is correct!
3. What did you learn about databases through the application of the concepts on the project?
The most important thing I learned was with writing commands for our database, wording has to be specific. The system can only do what we tell it to do which requires a basic understanding of how to pull the data. For example, some of our data was in all CAPS so when writing commands for the state of Arizona, the state has to be typed as ARIZONA. Everything has to be precise and in accordance with how the CSV file held the data. Almost like a baking recipe, the ingredients have to be correct and with the correct measurements, otherwise the product won’t come out right.
4. Has learning about databases influenced your future plans?
Prior to this semester, I had contemplated doing the Biological Data Science master’s program with ASU. I was told it was a combination of science, statistics and databases/computing. I was a little hesitant with the database/computing portion as I didn’t have any experience prior to this class. I struggled with the commands and building the database, but I think with more practice and learning, I could become more experienced. It’s given me peace of mind knowing that I am capable of creating a database regardless of my level of proficiency. I am still interested in the Bio Data Science program but this class has boosted my confidence.
