So you think you should understand a few things about databases before you go exploring your Banner system? That’s an excellent idea. A good place to start is understanding the concept of Banner as it relates to the concepts of databases and Oracle. You’ll probably also want to become familiar with the idea of tables, and the different kinds of tables, such as validation tables and collector tables. The Oracle database that exists behind your Banner system is what is called a relational database. What that means is that the tables within the database structure depend on each other for storing data. You might want to review some information about how or why you would want to relate two tables. You can relate two tables by identifying primary keys and foreign keys within the tables. Once you understand the interdependency of tables, you’ll have an easier time understanding what exactly happens when Banner accesses the tables in the database. After you get familiar with tables, you’re ready to move on to how data in the tables are displayed in Banner. For instance, you should become comfortable with the structure of Banner forms. Do you know what a field is? You need to know, and you’ll also want to learn how fields relate to blocks, windows, and screens within Banner. From there, you’ll have the tools you need to understand more complex concepts such as the nature of form headers. When you’re comfortable with the physical structures of Banner, you’re ready to move on to how to do things within the Banner system. For instance, there are all sorts of tasks you can accomplish by using Banner forms. You can query for the data you want. You can add, change, and delete records. You can create flat files to send to different government agencies. A picture’s worth a thousand words, right? Sometimes it is when it comes to getting an understanding of how the tables in your database interact. That’s why you’ll want to explore database schematics.