Basic Database Terminology for Beginners
Learn basic database word like table, row, column, primary key, foreign key, SQL, query, and relationship in very simple English, with example and easy tips for beginner.
2026-10-24 · 4 min read
Hello my friend! 🗄️ Before you learn SQL, you need know some basic database word first. Don't worry, very easy. Let's learn together!
1. Database
Database is a group of data that we keep in organized way. Example: school database keep all info about student, teacher, and class.
2. Table
Table is where data live inside database. It have row and column, look like Excel sheet.
Example table students:
| student_id | name | age | class_id |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sok | 20 | 101 |
| 2 | Dara | 19 | 102 |
| 3 | Vuth | 21 | 101 |
3. Row (Record)
Row is one entry in table. In students table, one row = one student. Example: 1, Sok, 20, 101 is one row.
4. Column (Field)
Column is one type of information. Example: name column keep only name, age column keep only age.
5. Primary Key
Primary key is unique ID for each row. Two row cannot have same primary key, and it cannot be empty.
In students table, student_id is the primary key.
6. Foreign Key
Foreign key is a column that link to primary key in other table. It connect two table together.
Example table classes:
| class_id | class_name |
|---|---|
| 101 | 12A |
| 102 | 12B |
class_id in students table is foreign key, it point to class_id in classes table. So we know Sok study in class 12A.
7. SQL
SQL mean Structured Query Language. It is language we use for talk with database: create table, add data, change data, delete data, and find data.
8. Query
Query is a request you send to database. Like ask a question. Example, "show me all student in class 101":
SELECT name, age
FROM students
WHERE class_id = 101;
Result: Sok and Vuth.
9. Relationship
Relationship is connection between table. We make relationship by use primary key and foreign key.
Example: one class have many student. This call one-to-many relationship.
Quick Summary
| Word | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|
| Database | Group of organized data |
| Table | Data in row and column |
| Row (Record) | One entry |
| Column (Field) | One type of info |
| Primary Key | Unique ID for each row |
| Foreign Key | Link to other table |
| SQL | Language for manage database |
| Query | Request to get or change data |
| Relationship | Connection between table |
Tips
- Remember: row go left to right (one record), column go up and down (one type of info).
- Every table should have primary key. Use simple number like
idis good start. - Name foreign key same like the primary key it point to, example
class_id. Easy to understand. - Record and row is same thing. Field and column is same thing. Different book use different word, no confuse.
- Practice write small query every day. Start with
SELECT * FROM table_name;. - Draw your table on paper first, then create in database. Help you see relationship clear.
Conclusion
These 9 word is the foundation of database. When you understand them, learn SQL and database design become much more easy. Keep going my friend! 💡