Question

We are comparing database processing and spreadsheet processing. We have a database table (customers) with 500 records. How much of this table has to be processed if we update the entry for customer Smith? (1 mark) What does this tell us about database processing in general? (1 mark)   As a comparison, we have a spreadsheet with data/formulas across 500 cells. How much of this spreadsheet is processed if we update one cell? (1 mark) What does this tell us about spreadsheet processing in a situation where we want to massively increase the size of our spreadsheet? (1 mark) Finally, compare the capabilities of the database and the spreadsheet in terms of the variety of data types that each can work with (1 mark).

Answer 1

In order to update an entry in a database, basically 2 commands or queries so to say have to be run. First is the INSERT and second is SELECT. SELECT marks the location on the table where entry has to be made and INSERT, performs the entry action and submits a value at the locatio.

Whereas, in a spreadsheet with data/formulas across 500 cells, if one cell has to be updated than directly the value of the cell can be changed without running any queries or formulas.

This shows updating the spreadsheet way more easily, but involves a lot of manual work, if the size of the spreadsheet has to be increased massively. Another challenge with increasing the size of Excel sheets massively is that it gets extremely heavy and confusing while updating data. Databases can perform a lot of actions with queries and give results with minimum effort, however analyzing the excel becomes very tough for the eyes and also tiring at the same time, as for analytics not a lot of formulas can be run.