Database applications let users interact with information that is stored in databases. Databases provide structure for the information, and allow it to be shared among different applications. 

Delphi provides support for relational database applications. Relational databases organize information into tables, which contain rows (records) and columns (fields). These tables can be manipulated by simple operations known as the relational calculus. 

When designing a database application, you must understand how the data is structured. Based on that structure, you can then design a user interface to display data to the user and allow the user to enter new information or modify existing data. 

The following topics introduce common considerations when designing a database application:

• Using Databases
• Database Architecture
• Designing the User Interface