For example, records that contain library patron information may contain fields for the patron's name, address, phone number, etc. A file is the largest unit of data in a database. A file stores the records that contain similar information. In DP, the records in a file are displayed through a panel, a viewing area on the screen which makes the file more readable. Each file in each database has its own panel.
Panels define where the fields in each record appear on the screen.
A list of choices 14. They both allow you to move to other panels without having to exit the current panel. A sorted list, comprised of selected fields, that is used to locate records. Reports let you print data from a database, send data to a disk file, and perform many other useful tasks. Designates the size of a field and the way itis displayed an printed, and also determines the type of data a field accepts.