Data link A feature that lets you interact with more than one panel at a time. A data link can check to see if identical data exists in other panels. It is represented on the screen by a Diamond. Database A software program that maintains records. A database is a collection of data.
Databases come in many forms.
Common databases include mailing lists, encyclopedias, and card files. A card file containing customer addresses and telephone numbers is an example of a database. If the cards were simply scattered in a shoebox, this process would take much longer. In the card file, the alphabetized tabs act as an index that can direct you to the needed information. Updating the card file is also difficult because it must be performed manually, and the file space often is limited.