Owlet in Disguise

Looks tired with big eyebags, but is an inevitable force

[fukuroshrine]

Understanding XML, JSON, & AJAX

XML - Extensive Markup Language

It is designed to store and transport data, and both human- and machine-readable. XML is a metalanguage that lets users define their customized markup languages, especially to display documents on the internet.

From what I have gathered from its example codes of images on the internet, they resemble HTML codes, except the tags have names that are a nod to things or concepts, like anything you can think of right now. They specifically have tags that are alike the names of tables and fields that one would code with SQL. Tags like <Customer> and </Customer>, <CustomerName> and </CustomerName>, and anything with this kind of format, as long as the text to be displayed is present between the two tags of the same name.

JSON - JavaScript Object Notation

JSON is a lightweight format for storing and transporting data. It is used to read data from a web server and display that data on a web page. In short, the user sends data from a server to a web page.

JSON is known to be "self-describing" and easy to understand because of its easier readability and writing. 

At first glance, its syntax appears similar to HTML and SQL, if not a combination of both. Actually, it is a subset of the JavaScript syntax! Because of this, it is a perfect candidate for web service and data updates. So if you are familiar with coding with SQL, HTML, JavaScript, or all three, JSON will fit your expertise. I personally have not tried it yet, but when I do so soon, I'll be ready!

AJAX - Asynchronous JavaScript and XML

= AJAX is not a programming language, despite being used for web pages to be updated asynchronously by exchanging data with a web server behind the scenes. It combines a browser built-in XMLHttpRequest object and a JavaScript and HTML DOM to request data from a web server and display or use the data respectively.

With this statement in mind, you can update a web page without reloading the page, request data from a server or receive data from a server (after the page has loaded) and send data to a server in the background using AJAX. How cool is that?

[fukuroshrine]

SQL (Structured Query Language)

WHAT IS SQL?

SQL is known as the Structured Query Language. It is a standard language used to access and manipulate databases. It can do many tasks in the database, such as:

Execute queries!

Retrieve data!

Insert, update, and delete records!

Create new databases, tables, stored procedures, and views!

Set permissions on tables, procedures, and views!

Some of its SQL commands include the following:

SELECT - extracts data from the database.

UPDATE - updates data in the database.

DELETE - deletes data from the database.

INSERT INTO - inserts new data into the database.

CREATE DATABASE - creates a new database.

ALTER DATABASE - modifies the database.

CREATE TABLE - creates a new table.

ALTER TABLE - modifies a table.

DROP TABLE - deletes the table.

CREATE INDEX - creates an index (search key)

DROP INDEX - deletes an index.

My Experience with SQL

Although the output resembles the tables one would see when they use Ms Access, learning how to dabble with SQL is crucial, especially to Computer Science students, such as myself and my classmates. SQL introduced a new programming method, whether it be typing in a notepad file, typing them in the Shell panel of WAMP or XAMPP, or importing codes into the admin pop-ups. 

Doing the commands in text files is easy, but with the number of words and lines one must enter into the file being so abundant, the completion is a tad bit slow, but eventually, I made it out through every homework so far!

I will admit, my first time doing my first database with XAMPP had me asking questions to multiple people about how one would program their commands, not to mention that I had mistakes just because of a mistype. Fortunately, it led me to a path where I can learn from my failures and think of a time-efficient way to do so by simply typing in a text file first. By the end of the day, this experience with coding in a new language will be beneficial in the future, considering that our final project will have us use SQL commands in creating our databases for our project proposals. 

I'm bidding my future self good luck with doing our group project, so if you're reading this feeling a little down the weather, remember to take breaks and compose yourself! Don't be afraid to ask for assistance from your groupmates! Godspeed!

[fukuroshrine]

Terminologies of SQL

DATA DEFINITION LANGUAGE – It is a computer programming language that provides commands dedicated to enacting specific tasks within the SQL and the database, such as the few below: 

Define relation schemes – DDL describes the relation’s design and structure, like its name, set of attributes, fields, and columns. Delete relations – DDL can remove relations that are redundant to the database. Create indices – DDL minimizes the number of disk accesses needed whenever a query is processed, designed to locate and access the database’s data.

In the SQL query, the commonly used DDL commands are the following:

CREATE - creates a database or objects (tables, views, stored procedures, etc.) ALTER - modifies the structure of an already existing table. DROP - deletes an existing database or an object within a database. TRUNCATE - deletes all the table’s records.

There are also other commands available to use in SQL, such as:

RENAME - rename any table object (with or without data) at any time. COMMENT - allows the user to add in-line comments to view definitions.

INTERACTIVE DATA MANIPULATION LANGUAGE – It is a programming language used to build applications that perform data analysis and insert, delete, and update tuples in a relation.

Although, what exactly is a tuple? For starters, it is not the row we see in the database, but they are unordered sets of known values with names.

EMBEDDED DATA MANIPULATION LANGUAGE – It is a programming language that enables developers to incorporate data manipulation statements directly into the code of an application, used in applications that require interaction with a database and data manipulation uses.  It is also the DML’s embedded version, utilized to apply SQL statements to the programs we created while using other programming languages.

[fukuroshrine]

Database: What is It? Microsoft Access VS Microsoft Excel

A. WHAT IS A DATABASE?

In my interpretation, a database is similar to how a library works. Specific books are in their respective isles according to their genre. If I were to go there and ask for a biology book, the librarian would direct me to go to the science section, along with other biology books seen in that section. In short, a database is a collection of information organized to fulfill a given purpose. Databases can also apply to real-world applications outside the computer screen. Duties like sorting the inventory of your store's supplies, the bank dealing with multiple transactions from different individuals, or even your cloud storage. Databases come in various forms, and it benefits us tremendously. It is a relief that it exists to make our lives easier to manage because if not, our lives would be much more complicated online and offline.

B. WHAT TYPE OF SOFTWARE IS MICROSOFT OFFICE EXCEL?

Microsoft Office Excel is an application software designed to create spreadsheets. It manages numerical information with formulas and functions already in this application. Such calculations range from simple arithmetic, sorting by order or alphabet, to complex operations.

C. WHAT TYPE OF SOFTWARE IS MICROSOFT OFFICE ACCESS?

Microsoft Office Access is a database software application responsible for linking or relating tables within the database you created. It provides a GUI (Graphical User Interface) to create tables, fields, and attributes. 

D. THINK OF AT LEAST TWO DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ACCESS & EXCEL.

Microsoft Access

Better at organizing data, making it more readable and easy to search for the data you need. 

Stores data in multiple tables, linking them with each other with relationships and a primary key.

Microsoft Excel 

Has limits in organizing its data because you insert them in a single, flat line. Unlike Access, you may end up with duplicates on the same table or spreadsheet. 

It is also more dedicated to analyzing data with complex computations and formulas, especially with numerical data.

[fukuroshrine]

The DBMS: Functions, Advantages, & Disadvantages

BLOGPOST # 2 - LECTURE

FUNCTIONS OF DBMS - The DBMS functions include the following:

DATA DEFINITION - the DBMS should be capable of accepting the definitions of the data given and transforming them into the object form suited.

DATA MANIPULATION - It should be capable of dealing with the user requests to retrieve and update the data in the database or even add new data.

DATA SECURITY AND INTEGRITY -It should also be capable of monitoring the user requests and denying any possible violation attempts in the database.

DATA RECOVERY AND CONCURRENCY - It should be capable of recovering from the system crashes in the database, minimizing its effects to avoid losing important information.

DATA DICTIONARY - the DBMS should have a system database installed during the SQL Server installation.

ADVANTAGES OF DBMS – These advantages contain the following:

REDUCED DATA REDUNDANCY - It keeps a single copy of the data instead of the same data inputted repeated in the database system.

DATA INTEGRITY - The database system will show future data changes as it updates the single copy of that specific data.

DATA INDEPENDENCE - the data must be free or independent from other data inside the database and the software used for accessing it.

DATA SECURITY - As part of the database software product, it can have additional security measures to gatekeep any possible malfunctions or security breaches.

DATA CONSISTENCY - the data placed within the database must fall into criteria (such as rules, limitations, combinations, etc.) to deem it consistent and maintainable in the database environment.

EASIER USE OF DATA - because of how organized the set-up of the database is, it is much easier for the users to sort and put in their data for future use. 

LESS STORAGE - the data storage inside the database occupies fewer space thanks to the reduced data redundancy.

DISADVANTAGES OF DBMS - These disadvantages consist of:

COMPLEXITY - the formats of the databases and their connected DBMS are very complex, which can complicate users unfamiliar with how they function and work.

EXPENSE - having a DBMS and databases is already much work, so one must plan on properly installing these into the current system, not to mention the possible hardware required, which is already costly.

VULNERABILITY - the database is prone to the partial or complete destruction of hardware components developing a fault or mistakes within the software since its data is in a specific location.

SIZE - since it is a database wherein you store a lot of information, expect its typical mainframe to be very bulky.

TRAINING COSTS - Individuals must undergo training to be the database administrator of a new database product of a company upon buying it.

COMPATIBILITY - most database systems cannot coexist with other database systems, rendering them incompatible.

LOCKING-IN OF TECHNOLOGY - one will have to start over again with their system if they express a temptation to leave it be or abandon it.

[fukuroshrine]

Beyond Organization (My Information Management 1 Class Experience)

BLOGPOST # 1 - LABORATORY

When I saw the schedule given to me by the GCES portal, I was happy that our teacher back in PC Troubleshooting with Basic Electronics, will be teaching us Information Management 1. I pondered the existence of this subject and its application to computers. Managing information might be too self-explanatory from its name, but using the data given and sorting them into a collection of information makes it look organized. Perhaps. I did not do enough advanced research to prepare myself as the opening of classes was drawing closer. I was late to join the class session on the first day because I took a minibus that traveled super slow. Fortunately, it was mostly an orientation on what to expect within the class.

What surprised me was the mention of using programming within the class, specifically with SQL. (Structured Query Language) With my experience from my other programming class last semester, I was nervous that coding was present here. A couple of classes later, we encountered terminologies relating to one word: database. Our lessons explained how one can store information in these databases so they can serve a specific purpose, like how record books keep track of profiles, how logbooks keep track of when people clock in and clock out of the workplace, and even as simple as having a list of telephone numbers.

There are many ways to collect data. From simply compiling them in a notepad, word applications like Microsoft Word, spreadsheets like Excel, and even the DBMS. It occurred to me that I organize the data I collect in some way with classes, like typing my notes from scratch and organizing them so I can understand them when reviewing. Of course, they are very different from databases, so going deeper into this matter is required.

Learning to sort information into databases can provide great comfort and ease to users who would like an easy way to browse these compilations. An organized layout is necessary so that nothing looks cluttered to the naked eye. If databases do not exist, lots of data will get mixed up, or even elements getting repeated on the same table or list. I will be ready to learn more about it whatever this subject has in store for us. So far, I am a bit intimidated by the current lessons, but at least I feel confident with the answers on my quizzes because I reviewed them in advance. I realized that I understand its contents like any other CS subject. So, bring it on! I may not be the best at sorting my material things, but I can sort better on computers.

[fukuroshrine]

Topic: Personal Development (Passion and Ambition)

Many people my age already have their end goals before deciding on their college majors. Most of the classmates I've known throughout my school years picked nursing, architecture, engineering, and other majors that could grant them a job that could pay them well. I wouldn't say I'm sure that were their final decisions, but I could confirm they have their futures planned out. Most of them were pretty confident in their choices, while others struggled to finish the semester. And yet, they are already content because this is what they wish to take to achieve their ambitions. 

How about me, on the other hand? Funnily enough, I already chose to pursue this Computer Science strand, but my gut feelings continue to gargle up my insides. Like, something's not right? That my choice doesn't align with the job I wish to have or if I want to have a job or not! Whenever someone would bring up the topic like: "Hey, what kind of job do you want to have?" or "Oh wow, why did you choose this college course?" Instinct has me repeatedly say: "Oh, I'm gonna be [insert job choice]. So I can learn [insert what the strand aims to teach]" or something similar. It always rubbed me the wrong way whenever that kind of conversation starter gets brought up.

I kept on convincing myself that I could combine programming and other computer knowledge with my expertise in drawing. Yet, I feel like it's not the choice I should've landed on. I always space out and question my existence with this thought. What if I don't pass this school year because of my uncertainty? What will people think of me if I choose a different job that contradicts my college degree? What if I WASTED all my chances?! This always puts me in a dark place in my mind, like I want to curl up and think about my mistakes 24/7. I always feel so miserable with the simple things that I can't accomplish accordingly in the right way that everyone must comply with.

But then I remembered something: Life isn't about school and work. Sure, you would need to study to get the dream job you wish to have when you grow up, but you also need time to make yourself content and relaxed, even by a small amount. If you ever feel like you're not ready to start a job, that's okay. You can find other means to earn money for a living, like opening up a small business or, in my case, taking art commissions (If you're an artist like me). Even if drawing isn't much aligned with what I'm studying for college, I consider it a way to escape reality's frustrations. Art has always been my true passion, and it will never die out, regardless of what others say about it. 

If you would ask what ambition I have in mind? I'd be lying if I said: "I want to be a programmer or a software engineer," like everyone else. The last time I remembered someone asked me that, I cried in class because I overthought it. In the future, I see myself as someone working in the gaming industry, either through art or coding. I would consider that as my second option because the first option I have in mind is different: start making webcomics and work on doing freelance art. All I have to do is expand my online presence and post my work frequently whenever time allows it. Nonetheless, I'm still taking baby steps in my decision.

If someone would dare tell me: "But you've been given too MANY chances and time already to decide your future, why are you still thinking about what you want to be? Shouldn't that have been done years ago?" I've spent years thinking on my dream job, like becoming a doctor, film director, animator, architect, and many options I could choose from. Everyone runs their lives at a different pace, so don't expect me to decide quickly like others. I'm a slow thinker, but at least I take the time to think and rationalize my thoughts instead of diving headfirst into unknown territory. 

Apologies if this blog sounds like I'm venting because I have a lot more I want to say and release from my bottle of emotions. Thank you for reading, and I hope you learn something from this! 

Hoping the next 4 years in my life becomes fruitful from my endeavors.