A web-based database is a specially designed database that you can access from anywhere through the internet. These types of databases are hosted on a website (cloud) and can be entered from almost any web browser.
Based on the importance of stored data, it can be open for all users, or the web operator can ask for a premium membership. Some web operators permit users as well to update the database with the latest information.
You just need to create a form using a web form builder and connect it to the database. The database automatically becomes updated if someone fills up the form and submits information.
Creating a database
You can pick any database management software such as Oracle, Altibase, Teradata, and more to create a huge database.
We are going to create a simple database using Microsoft Access, a widely recognized data management tool. Follow these easy steps for database creation.
Step 1
Open the MS access and click on the “Blank database”. Give the database a name and click on “Create”.
Step 2
The blank database will open. It looks like a spreadsheet. You will notice the first column named “ID” by default. Click on it and rename it “Customer ID” and press the enter button.
Step 3
MS Access lets you choose the data type for this column including text, number, date, currency, hyperlink, etc. If you don’t put the right type of data, it will not accept it. Put your mouse on the top of the “Customer ID” column and go to the “Fields” from the menu bar.
Step 4
Here you find all data-types. Select “Number” for this field. Create more fields like “First name”, “Last name”, “Address”, “City,” etc. and follow the same process to choose the appropriate data type.
Step 5
Your basic database format is ready. Now you can input data as much as you want.
Publishing the database on the web
If you want to publish this database online without coding, register to Caspio for the easiest way. This free tool is very compatible with MS Access and easy to manage. Follow these steps to publish the database.
Step 1
Log-in to Caspio and go to the dashboard. Click on the “[+] New App” and select “Start by importing data”. Rename the app, choose the MS Access database and click the “Next” button to upload the file.
Step 2
Now, open the dropdown menu from the “Action” column and select “Create New”, rename the “Destination object” and click the “Next” button. A page with a database preview will open. Click the “Import” button finally.
Step 3
A new dashboard will open. Click the “Table” tab to check the database. Publishing it on the web will take a few more steps. Click the “Data Pages” tab and “New data page” > “Reports” > “Next” sequentially.
Step 4
Go to maintaining these orders “Select data source” > “Next” > check “Allow users to select data using a search form” > “Next”. Now, select your required fields, click the “Next” button, and customize field options as you want. Click the [>>] button to include these fields.
Step 5
Keep clicking the “Next” button until you see the “Finish” button. Your database is ready. Go to the “Data Pages” tab again and click “Deploy”. A pop-up menu will open with several embed options.
We suggest using the <Embed> code to display the database on your website.
Also Read: Ultimate Tools for Database Change Management with DevOps Approach
