Database Web Applications - Glossary

ActiveX Data Objects

A set of Component Object Model (COM) objects that provides an easy-to-use, scriptable interface to data sources

Auto and Immediate windows

The Autos window displays the values of variables that are within the scope of currently executing procedures. The Immediate window shows the results of debug statements running in the code, or that you type in directly.

client/server

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Clustered Computer

High-volume servers often operate in clusters. This way, more than one computer can handle many users. From the user's point of view, the cluster appears to be a single fast computer.

command object

An object used to execute queries.

comparison and logical operators

Characters used to form expressions. Comparison operators compare two values or expressions. Logical operators, sometimes called Boolean operators, produce a logical TRUE/FALSE result.

connection object

An Active Data Object that is used to establish and maintain connections to data sources.

data consumer

Uses data. ADO and VBScript are data consumers.

data provider

Contains and exposes data to data consumers, such as a database, spreadsheet, etc.

data remoting

This refers to storing data on a remote server. The data is accessed across a network. The remote data server could be in the same room or building as the client or even in a different country.

Data Source Name (DSN)

A term for the information used to connect an application to an ODBC database.

data type

A variable or field attribute that specifies the kind of data it can hold.

data-bound DTC

A data-bound DTC is associated with a specific data item. DTCs aren't data-bound until this is done. For example, you can drag a DTC onto a page, but it isn't bound to anything until it's properties are set

data-centric solution

An application that primarily involves database access.

design time

The mode of operation when the application is being written.

direct connection string

A string that selects a database by file name instead of using an ordinary DSN.

Distributed Component Object Model

An extension of the Component Object Model that allows communication between objects on different computers.

field

A location in a database record where a data element is stored, also called a column.

floating point data type

A single precision number containing a sign bit and a 23-bit mantissa.

HTML controls

Used in Web pages to display information, also referred to as HTML elements.

HTTP request

A function provided by the Hypertext Transfer Protocol to request an action of the Web server.

initialization script

Commonly used to set initial values of variables, properties, and so on. Initialization code can be executed as soon as the Web page is loaded to make global settings, or in a function or procedure to make local settings.

interface

Provides access to an application, objects, hardware, etc.

iterate

To execute program statements zero or more times in a loop structure.

join

The process of generating a result set by matching rows from two or more database tables.

logical connection

In the context of this course, refers to the association between the application and the datasource.

middleware

Software layer that enables communication between the application and the database.

offline volume

Storage that is not directly accessible. For example, optical juke boxes and tape drives are examples of offline volumes.

OLE Automation Client

An application that accesses objects exposed by another application.

operate redundantly

When a system operates redundantly, two or more computers perform the same function. This way, if a failure occurs, the surviving system can continue operation unimpeded.

outer join

Similar to a join, except that all rows from one table will appear in the result set, even if there are no corresponding rows in other tables.

PageObject

A script object that lets you treat active server pages as an object.

production database

A database in use in the production environment

programmatically retrieve

This means to use a programming logic and code to get data from a data source.

qualified fields

When a field name is ambiguous, that is it appears in more than one table, you must qualify which field you want to use by prefixing the appropriate table name and a period before the field name.

querystring

This is a VBScript variable that is used to hold SQL statements.

recordset object

An Active Data Object that it used to retrieve, modify, display, and navigate recordsets.

relational database

A database that is organized and accessed based on relationships between tables, rows, and columns.

remote debugging

Debugging processes or scripts that are executed on a remote computer.

runtime

The mode of operation when the application is running.

script language engine

A software component that interprets a scripting language.

service

Is a special type of application that can be automatically started when the machine is booted, or can be started manually by the user

SQL

Consists of statements that allow you to query databases from your applications.

SQL clause

Used to provide more specific instructions in a statement.

stored procedure

A database object, such as a query that can be executed.

stored procedures

Stored procedures are like little programs stored in the database and executed on command.

subtype

The different data types represented by the variant type.

swap space or swap file

Disk space used by the operating system to temporarily remove information from main memory.

syntax

The rules used to form a statement.

trigger

A stored procedure that is automatically executed when SQL modification statement occurs, such as insert, delete, and modify.

unique key

A column value that is unique to each row.

variant

The data type for all variables that aren't explicitly declared as a specific type.

view

A database object that appears to be a table, but is really the result of a predefined query.

Web application

A collection of pages that comprise a Web site.