FC0-U61 Objective 5.3: Summarize Methods Used to Interface with Databases

26 min readCompTIA IT Fundamentals

FC0-U61 Exam Focus: This objective covers methods used to interface with databases including relational methods (data manipulation with SELECT, INSERT, DELETE, UPDATE; data definition with CREATE, ALTER, DROP; permissions), database access methods (direct/manual access, programmatic access, user interface/utility access, query/report builders), and export/import (database dump, backup). Understanding these interface methods is essential for database administration, application development, and IT support.

Understanding Database Interface Methods

Database interface methods are the various ways users and applications interact with database systems to store, retrieve, and manipulate data. These methods range from direct SQL commands to graphical user interfaces, each serving different purposes and user skill levels. Understanding these interface methods is crucial for database administration, application development, and IT support tasks.

Relational Methods

Relational methods are the core operations used to interact with relational databases:

Data Manipulation

Data manipulation operations allow users to retrieve and modify data within the database:

Select

The SELECT statement retrieves data from one or more tables:

SELECT Statement Characteristics:

  • Data retrieval: Retrieves data from database tables
  • Filtering: Uses WHERE clause to filter results
  • Sorting: Uses ORDER BY clause to sort results
  • Grouping: Uses GROUP BY clause to group results
  • Joins: Combines data from multiple tables
  • Aggregation: Performs calculations on grouped data
  • Subqueries: Can include nested queries
  • Read-only: Does not modify the database

SELECT Examples

SELECT Statement Examples:

-- Basic SELECT
SELECT * FROM Students;

-- SELECT with specific columns
SELECT FirstName, LastName, GPA FROM Students;

-- SELECT with WHERE clause
SELECT * FROM Students WHERE GPA > 3.5;

-- SELECT with ORDER BY
SELECT FirstName, LastName, GPA 
FROM Students 
ORDER BY GPA DESC;

-- SELECT with JOIN
SELECT s.FirstName, s.LastName, c.CourseName, e.Grade
FROM Students s
JOIN Enrollments e ON s.StudentID = e.StudentID
JOIN Courses c ON e.CourseID = c.CourseID;

-- SELECT with GROUP BY and aggregation
SELECT Major, COUNT(*) as StudentCount, AVG(GPA) as AverageGPA
FROM Students
GROUP BY Major
ORDER BY AverageGPA DESC;

-- SELECT with subquery
SELECT FirstName, LastName
FROM Students
WHERE StudentID IN (
    SELECT StudentID 
    FROM Enrollments 
    WHERE Grade = 'A'
);

Insert

The INSERT statement adds new records to database tables:

INSERT Statement Characteristics:

  • Data addition: Adds new records to tables
  • Single record: Can insert one record at a time
  • Multiple records: Can insert multiple records in one statement
  • Column specification: Can specify which columns to populate
  • Value validation: Must conform to table constraints
  • Primary key handling: Must handle primary key requirements
  • Foreign key validation: Must respect foreign key constraints
  • Transaction support: Can be part of transactions

INSERT Examples

INSERT Statement Examples:

-- Basic INSERT
INSERT INTO Students (StudentID, FirstName, LastName, Email, Major, GPA)
VALUES (1001, 'John', 'Smith', 'john.smith@email.com', 'Computer Science', 3.75);

-- INSERT with default values
INSERT INTO Students (StudentID, FirstName, LastName, Email)
VALUES (1002, 'Jane', 'Doe', 'jane.doe@email.com');

-- INSERT multiple records
INSERT INTO Students (StudentID, FirstName, LastName, Email, Major, GPA) VALUES
(1003, 'Bob', 'Johnson', 'bob.johnson@email.com', 'Mathematics', 3.85),
(1004, 'Alice', 'Brown', 'alice.brown@email.com', 'Physics', 3.65),
(1005, 'Carol', 'Wilson', 'carol.wilson@email.com', 'Chemistry', 3.90);

-- INSERT with SELECT (copy data)
INSERT INTO Students_Backup (StudentID, FirstName, LastName, Email, Major, GPA)
SELECT StudentID, FirstName, LastName, Email, Major, GPA
FROM Students
WHERE GPA > 3.5;

-- INSERT with subquery
INSERT INTO TopStudents (StudentID, FirstName, LastName, GPA)
SELECT StudentID, FirstName, LastName, GPA
FROM Students
WHERE GPA IN (
    SELECT MAX(GPA) FROM Students GROUP BY Major
);

Delete

The DELETE statement removes records from database tables:

DELETE Statement Characteristics:

  • Data removal: Removes records from tables
  • Conditional deletion: Uses WHERE clause to specify which records to delete
  • Bulk deletion: Can delete multiple records at once
  • Referential integrity: Must respect foreign key constraints
  • Transaction support: Can be part of transactions
  • Rollback capability: Can be rolled back if part of transaction
  • Performance impact: Can impact database performance
  • Audit trail: May be logged for audit purposes

DELETE Examples

DELETE Statement Examples:

-- DELETE with WHERE clause
DELETE FROM Students WHERE GPA < 2.0;

-- DELETE with multiple conditions
DELETE FROM Enrollments 
WHERE Grade = 'F' AND Semester = 'Fall 2023';

-- DELETE with subquery
DELETE FROM Students 
WHERE StudentID NOT IN (
    SELECT DISTINCT StudentID FROM Enrollments
);

-- DELETE with JOIN
DELETE s FROM Students s
JOIN Enrollments e ON s.StudentID = e.StudentID
WHERE e.Grade = 'F' AND e.Semester = 'Fall 2023';

-- DELETE with LIMIT (MySQL)
DELETE FROM Students 
WHERE GPA < 2.0 
LIMIT 10;

-- DELETE all records (use with caution)
DELETE FROM Students;  -- Removes all students

-- DELETE with transaction
BEGIN TRANSACTION;
DELETE FROM Enrollments WHERE StudentID = 1001;
DELETE FROM Students WHERE StudentID = 1001;
COMMIT;

Update

The UPDATE statement modifies existing records in database tables:

UPDATE Statement Characteristics:

  • Data modification: Modifies existing records
  • Conditional updates: Uses WHERE clause to specify which records to update
  • Multiple columns: Can update multiple columns in one statement
  • Bulk updates: Can update multiple records at once
  • Constraint validation: Must conform to table constraints
  • Transaction support: Can be part of transactions
  • Performance impact: Can impact database performance
  • Audit trail: May be logged for audit purposes

UPDATE Examples

UPDATE Statement Examples:

-- Basic UPDATE
UPDATE Students SET GPA = 3.80 WHERE StudentID = 1001;

-- UPDATE multiple columns
UPDATE Students 
SET Major = 'Computer Science', GPA = 3.75 
WHERE StudentID = 1002;

-- UPDATE with calculation
UPDATE Students 
SET GPA = GPA + 0.1 
WHERE GPA < 3.0;

-- UPDATE with subquery
UPDATE Students 
SET Major = 'Undeclared' 
WHERE StudentID IN (
    SELECT StudentID 
    FROM Enrollments 
    WHERE Grade = 'F'
);

-- UPDATE with JOIN
UPDATE Students s
JOIN Enrollments e ON s.StudentID = e.StudentID
SET s.GPA = s.GPA + 0.05
WHERE e.Grade = 'A' AND e.Semester = 'Fall 2023';

-- UPDATE with CASE statement
UPDATE Students 
SET GradeLevel = CASE 
    WHEN GPA >= 3.5 THEN 'Dean''s List'
    WHEN GPA >= 3.0 THEN 'Good Standing'
    WHEN GPA >= 2.0 THEN 'Academic Probation'
    ELSE 'Academic Suspension'
END;

-- UPDATE with transaction
BEGIN TRANSACTION;
UPDATE Students SET GPA = 3.80 WHERE StudentID = 1001;
UPDATE Enrollments SET Grade = 'A' WHERE StudentID = 1001;
COMMIT;

Data Definition

Data definition operations create and modify the structure of database objects:

Create

The CREATE statement creates new database objects:

CREATE Statement Types:

  • CREATE DATABASE: Creates new databases
  • CREATE TABLE: Creates new tables
  • CREATE INDEX: Creates indexes for performance
  • CREATE VIEW: Creates virtual tables
  • CREATE PROCEDURE: Creates stored procedures
  • CREATE FUNCTION: Creates user-defined functions
  • CREATE TRIGGER: Creates database triggers
  • CREATE USER: Creates database users

CREATE Examples

CREATE Statement Examples:

-- CREATE DATABASE
CREATE DATABASE UniversityDB;

-- CREATE TABLE
CREATE TABLE Students (
    StudentID INT PRIMARY KEY,
    FirstName VARCHAR(50) NOT NULL,
    LastName VARCHAR(50) NOT NULL,
    Email VARCHAR(100) UNIQUE,
    DateOfBirth DATE,
    Major VARCHAR(50),
    GPA DECIMAL(3,2) CHECK (GPA >= 0.0 AND GPA <= 4.0)
);

-- CREATE INDEX
CREATE INDEX idx_students_major ON Students(Major);
CREATE INDEX idx_students_gpa ON Students(GPA);

-- CREATE VIEW
CREATE VIEW TopStudents AS
SELECT FirstName, LastName, Major, GPA
FROM Students
WHERE GPA >= 3.5
ORDER BY GPA DESC;

-- CREATE PROCEDURE
CREATE PROCEDURE GetStudentInfo(IN student_id INT)
BEGIN
    SELECT s.FirstName, s.LastName, s.Major, s.GPA,
           COUNT(e.EnrollmentID) as TotalCourses
    FROM Students s
    LEFT JOIN Enrollments e ON s.StudentID = e.StudentID
    WHERE s.StudentID = student_id
    GROUP BY s.StudentID, s.FirstName, s.LastName, s.Major, s.GPA;
END;

-- CREATE FUNCTION
CREATE FUNCTION CalculateGPA(student_id INT)
RETURNS DECIMAL(3,2)
READS SQL DATA
DETERMINISTIC
BEGIN
    DECLARE avg_gpa DECIMAL(3,2);
    SELECT AVG(CASE 
        WHEN Grade = 'A' THEN 4.0
        WHEN Grade = 'B' THEN 3.0
        WHEN Grade = 'C' THEN 2.0
        WHEN Grade = 'D' THEN 1.0
        ELSE 0.0
    END) INTO avg_gpa
    FROM Enrollments
    WHERE StudentID = student_id;
    RETURN avg_gpa;
END;

Alter

The ALTER statement modifies existing database objects:

ALTER Statement Types:

  • ALTER TABLE: Modifies table structure
  • ALTER COLUMN: Modifies column properties
  • ALTER INDEX: Modifies indexes
  • ALTER VIEW: Modifies views
  • ALTER PROCEDURE: Modifies stored procedures
  • ALTER FUNCTION: Modifies user-defined functions
  • ALTER USER: Modifies user properties
  • ALTER DATABASE: Modifies database properties

ALTER Examples

ALTER Statement Examples:

-- ALTER TABLE - Add column
ALTER TABLE Students ADD COLUMN Phone VARCHAR(15);

-- ALTER TABLE - Modify column
ALTER TABLE Students MODIFY COLUMN GPA DECIMAL(4,2);

-- ALTER TABLE - Drop column
ALTER TABLE Students DROP COLUMN Phone;

-- ALTER TABLE - Add constraint
ALTER TABLE Students ADD CONSTRAINT chk_gpa CHECK (GPA >= 0.0 AND GPA <= 4.0);

-- ALTER TABLE - Drop constraint
ALTER TABLE Students DROP CONSTRAINT chk_gpa;

-- ALTER TABLE - Add foreign key
ALTER TABLE Enrollments 
ADD CONSTRAINT fk_student 
FOREIGN KEY (StudentID) REFERENCES Students(StudentID);

-- ALTER TABLE - Rename column
ALTER TABLE Students RENAME COLUMN GPA TO GradePointAverage;

-- ALTER TABLE - Rename table
ALTER TABLE Students RENAME TO StudentRecords;

-- ALTER INDEX
ALTER INDEX idx_students_major REBUILD;

-- ALTER USER
ALTER USER 'student_user' IDENTIFIED BY 'new_password';

Drop

The DROP statement removes database objects:

DROP Statement Types:

  • DROP TABLE: Removes tables and all data
  • DROP DATABASE: Removes entire databases
  • DROP INDEX: Removes indexes
  • DROP VIEW: Removes views
  • DROP PROCEDURE: Removes stored procedures
  • DROP FUNCTION: Removes user-defined functions
  • DROP TRIGGER: Removes triggers
  • DROP USER: Removes database users

DROP Examples

DROP Statement Examples:

-- DROP TABLE
DROP TABLE Students;

-- DROP TABLE with CASCADE
DROP TABLE Students CASCADE;

-- DROP INDEX
DROP INDEX idx_students_major;

-- DROP VIEW
DROP VIEW TopStudents;

-- DROP PROCEDURE
DROP PROCEDURE GetStudentInfo;

-- DROP FUNCTION
DROP FUNCTION CalculateGPA;

-- DROP DATABASE
DROP DATABASE UniversityDB;

-- DROP USER
DROP USER 'student_user';

-- DROP with IF EXISTS
DROP TABLE IF EXISTS Students;
DROP INDEX IF EXISTS idx_students_major;

Permissions

Permissions control access to database objects and operations:

Permission Types:

  • SELECT: Permission to read data
  • INSERT: Permission to add new data
  • UPDATE: Permission to modify existing data
  • DELETE: Permission to remove data
  • CREATE: Permission to create new objects
  • ALTER: Permission to modify object structure
  • DROP: Permission to remove objects
  • EXECUTE: Permission to run stored procedures

Permission Examples

Permission Management Examples:

-- GRANT permissions
GRANT SELECT ON Students TO 'student_user';
GRANT INSERT, UPDATE ON Students TO 'admin_user';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON Students TO 'super_admin';

-- GRANT with specific columns
GRANT SELECT (FirstName, LastName, GPA) ON Students TO 'public_user';

-- GRANT with GRANT OPTION
GRANT SELECT ON Students TO 'manager_user' WITH GRANT OPTION;

-- REVOKE permissions
REVOKE SELECT ON Students FROM 'student_user';
REVOKE INSERT, UPDATE ON Students FROM 'admin_user';

-- REVOKE with CASCADE
REVOKE SELECT ON Students FROM 'manager_user' CASCADE;

-- CREATE ROLE and assign permissions
CREATE ROLE 'student_role';
GRANT SELECT ON Students TO 'student_role';
GRANT SELECT ON Courses TO 'student_role';

-- Assign role to user
GRANT 'student_role' TO 'student_user';

-- CREATE USER with specific permissions
CREATE USER 'readonly_user' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';
GRANT SELECT ON *.* TO 'readonly_user';

-- SHOW permissions
SHOW GRANTS FOR 'student_user';
SHOW GRANTS FOR CURRENT_USER();

Database Access Methods

Database access methods define how users and applications connect to and interact with databases:

Direct/Manual Access

Direct access involves using command-line tools or SQL interfaces:

Direct Access Characteristics:

  • Command-line interface: Direct SQL command execution
  • Full control: Complete access to all database features
  • Expert users: Requires SQL knowledge and expertise
  • Scripting capability: Can create and run SQL scripts
  • Batch operations: Can process multiple commands
  • Performance monitoring: Direct access to performance metrics
  • Administrative tasks: Database administration and maintenance
  • Debugging: Direct access for troubleshooting

Direct Access Examples

Command-Line Database Access:

-- MySQL command line
mysql -u username -p database_name

-- PostgreSQL command line
psql -U username -d database_name

-- SQL Server command line
sqlcmd -S server_name -U username -P password -d database_name

-- Oracle SQL*Plus
sqlplus username/password@database

-- SQLite command line
sqlite3 database.db

-- Example SQL commands in command line
mysql> USE UniversityDB;
mysql> SELECT * FROM Students WHERE GPA > 3.5;
mysql> INSERT INTO Students VALUES (1001, 'John', 'Smith', 'john@email.com');
mysql> UPDATE Students SET GPA = 3.80 WHERE StudentID = 1001;
mysql> DELETE FROM Students WHERE StudentID = 1001;
mysql> EXIT;

Programmatic Access

Programmatic access involves using programming languages to interact with databases:

Programmatic Access Characteristics:

  • Application integration: Databases integrated into applications
  • API-based: Uses database APIs and drivers
  • Automated operations: Automated database operations
  • Error handling: Built-in error handling and validation
  • Transaction management: Programmatic transaction control
  • Security: Parameterized queries and prepared statements
  • Performance optimization: Connection pooling and caching
  • Scalability: Designed for high-volume operations

Programmatic Access Examples

Programming Language Database Access:

// Python with MySQL
import mysql.connector

conn = mysql.connector.connect(
    host='localhost',
    user='username',
    password='password',
    database='UniversityDB'
)
cursor = conn.cursor()

# Select data
cursor.execute("SELECT * FROM Students WHERE GPA > %s", (3.5,))
results = cursor.fetchall()

# Insert data
cursor.execute("INSERT INTO Students (StudentID, FirstName, LastName) VALUES (%s, %s, %s)", 
               (1001, 'John', 'Smith'))
conn.commit()

cursor.close()
conn.close()

// Java with JDBC
import java.sql.*;

Connection conn = DriverManager.getConnection(
    "jdbc:mysql://localhost:3306/UniversityDB", "username", "password");
Statement stmt = conn.createStatement();

// Select data
ResultSet rs = stmt.executeQuery("SELECT * FROM Students WHERE GPA > 3.5");

// Insert data
PreparedStatement pstmt = conn.prepareStatement(
    "INSERT INTO Students (StudentID, FirstName, LastName) VALUES (?, ?, ?)");
pstmt.setInt(1, 1001);
pstmt.setString(2, "John");
pstmt.setString(3, "Smith");
pstmt.executeUpdate();

// C# with ADO.NET
using System.Data.SqlClient;

string connectionString = "Server=localhost;Database=UniversityDB;User Id=username;Password=password;";
using (SqlConnection conn = new SqlConnection(connectionString))
{
    conn.Open();
    
    // Select data
    string sql = "SELECT * FROM Students WHERE GPA > @gpa";
    using (SqlCommand cmd = new SqlCommand(sql, conn))
    {
        cmd.Parameters.AddWithValue("@gpa", 3.5);
        SqlDataReader reader = cmd.ExecuteReader();
    }
    
    // Insert data
    string insertSql = "INSERT INTO Students (StudentID, FirstName, LastName) VALUES (@id, @first, @last)";
    using (SqlCommand cmd = new SqlCommand(insertSql, conn))
    {
        cmd.Parameters.AddWithValue("@id", 1001);
        cmd.Parameters.AddWithValue("@first", "John");
        cmd.Parameters.AddWithValue("@last", "Smith");
        cmd.ExecuteNonQuery();
    }
}

User Interface/Utility Access

User interface access provides graphical tools for database interaction:

User Interface Characteristics:

  • Graphical interface: Point-and-click database management
  • User-friendly: Designed for non-technical users
  • Visual tools: Visual query builders and designers
  • Data visualization: Charts, graphs, and reports
  • Import/export tools: Easy data import and export
  • Backup utilities: Graphical backup and restore tools
  • User management: Visual user and permission management
  • Monitoring tools: Performance monitoring and optimization

User Interface Examples

Database Management Tools:

  • MySQL Workbench: Visual database design and administration
  • phpMyAdmin: Web-based MySQL administration
  • pgAdmin: PostgreSQL administration and development
  • SQL Server Management Studio: SQL Server administration
  • Oracle SQL Developer: Oracle database development
  • DBeaver: Universal database tool
  • Navicat: Database administration and development
  • HeidiSQL: MySQL, MariaDB, and PostgreSQL client

Query/Report Builders

Query and report builders provide tools for creating queries and reports:

Query/Report Builder Characteristics:

  • Visual query design: Drag-and-drop query creation
  • Report generation: Automated report creation
  • Template-based: Pre-built query and report templates
  • Parameterized queries: Dynamic query parameters
  • Export capabilities: Multiple export formats
  • Scheduling: Automated report scheduling
  • Distribution: Automated report distribution
  • Customization: Customizable layouts and formatting

Export/Import

Export and import operations allow data to be moved between databases and systems:

Database Dump

Database dumps create complete backups of database structure and data:

Database Dump Characteristics:

  • Complete backup: Includes structure and data
  • Portable format: Can be restored on different systems
  • Version control: Can be used for version control
  • Migration tool: Useful for database migration
  • Compression: Can be compressed to save space
  • Incremental dumps: Can create incremental backups
  • Selective dumps: Can dump specific tables or data
  • Cross-platform: Works across different database systems

Database Dump Examples

Database Dump Commands:

-- MySQL dump
mysqldump -u username -p database_name > backup.sql

-- MySQL dump with specific options
mysqldump -u username -p --single-transaction --routines --triggers database_name > backup.sql

-- MySQL dump specific tables
mysqldump -u username -p database_name table1 table2 > tables_backup.sql

-- PostgreSQL dump
pg_dump -U username -h localhost database_name > backup.sql

-- PostgreSQL dump with specific options
pg_dump -U username -h localhost --verbose --clean --no-owner --no-privileges database_name > backup.sql

-- SQL Server dump (using bcp)
bcp database_name.dbo.table_name out backup.dat -S server_name -U username -P password

-- Oracle dump (using exp)
exp username/password@database file=backup.dmp

-- SQLite dump
sqlite3 database.db .dump > backup.sql

-- Restore from dump
mysql -u username -p database_name < backup.sql
psql -U username -d database_name < backup.sql

Backup

Backup operations create copies of database data for recovery purposes:

Backup Types:

  • Full backup: Complete database backup
  • Incremental backup: Only changed data since last backup
  • Differential backup: All changes since last full backup
  • Transaction log backup: Backup of transaction logs
  • Point-in-time recovery: Recovery to specific point in time
  • Hot backup: Backup while database is running
  • Cold backup: Backup while database is stopped
  • Compressed backup: Compressed backup files

Backup Examples

Database Backup Commands:

-- MySQL backup
mysqldump -u username -p --single-transaction --master-data=2 database_name > backup.sql

-- MySQL binary backup
mysqlbackup --user=username --password=password --backup-dir=/backup/path backup

-- PostgreSQL backup
pg_dump -U username -h localhost -Fc database_name > backup.dump

-- PostgreSQL continuous archiving
pg_start_backup('backup_label');
# Copy data files
pg_stop_backup();

-- SQL Server backup
BACKUP DATABASE database_name TO DISK = 'C:\backup\database_name.bak'

-- SQL Server transaction log backup
BACKUP LOG database_name TO DISK = 'C:\backup\database_name.trn'

-- Oracle backup
RMAN> BACKUP DATABASE;

-- Oracle incremental backup
RMAN> BACKUP INCREMENTAL LEVEL 1 DATABASE;

-- Automated backup script
#!/bin/bash
DATE=$(date +%Y%m%d_%H%M%S)
mysqldump -u username -p database_name | gzip > backup_$DATE.sql.gz
find /backup -name "backup_*.sql.gz" -mtime +7 -delete

Best Practices

Database Interface Best Practices

Interface Guidelines:

  • Use appropriate access method: Choose the right interface for the task
  • Implement security: Use proper authentication and authorization
  • Optimize queries: Write efficient SQL statements
  • Use transactions: Ensure data consistency with transactions
  • Handle errors: Implement proper error handling
  • Monitor performance: Monitor and optimize database performance
  • Regular backups: Implement regular backup procedures
  • Documentation: Document database interfaces and procedures

Exam Preparation Tips

Key Concepts to Master

  • Relational methods: Understand data manipulation (SELECT, INSERT, DELETE, UPDATE) and data definition (CREATE, ALTER, DROP)
  • Permissions: Know how to grant and revoke database permissions
  • Access methods: Understand direct/manual, programmatic, user interface, and query/report builder access
  • Export/import: Know database dump and backup procedures
  • SQL commands: Understand the purpose and syntax of common SQL commands
  • Database administration: Know administrative tasks and procedures
  • Security: Understand database security and access control
  • Best practices: Know best practices for database interface methods

Study Strategies

Effective Study Approaches:

  • Practice SQL: Practice writing and executing SQL commands
  • Use different interfaces: Practice with command-line, GUI, and programmatic access
  • Understand permissions: Practice granting and revoking permissions
  • Learn backup procedures: Practice database backup and restore operations
  • Study examples: Study real-world examples of database interfaces
  • Understand trade-offs: Know the advantages and disadvantages of different methods

Practice Questions

Sample Exam Questions:

  1. What SQL command is used to retrieve data from a database table?
  2. What is the purpose of the ALTER statement in SQL?
  3. What type of database access method requires SQL knowledge and expertise?
  4. What SQL command is used to add new records to a database table?
  5. What is the purpose of database permissions in database security?
  6. What type of database access method is best for non-technical users?
  7. What SQL command is used to remove database objects?
  8. What is the purpose of a database dump?
  9. What type of database access method is used for application integration?
  10. What SQL command is used to modify existing records in a database table?

FC0-U61 Success Tip: Understanding database interface methods is essential for database administration, application development, and IT support. Focus on learning the relational methods including data manipulation (SELECT, INSERT, DELETE, UPDATE) and data definition (CREATE, ALTER, DROP), understanding database access methods (direct/manual, programmatic, user interface, query/report builders), and knowing export/import procedures (database dump, backup). Pay special attention to SQL command syntax and purpose, database permissions and security, and the appropriate use of different interface methods. This knowledge is crucial for understanding how users and applications interact with database systems effectively.