Explain the difference between a database and a spreadsheet.
Model answer
A spreadsheet is a grid of cells, good for small amounts of data, calculations and charts used by one person or a small team. A database stores large amounts of structured data in related tables, lets many users read and write at once, enforces rules (such as unique IDs) and answers questions quickly using a query language such as SQL.
Example: a shop can track a few products in a spreadsheet, but an online store with thousands of customers, orders and payments needs a database so the information stays consistent and fast to search.
Tips
- Give a small example, not just definitions.
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