text: Spreadsheets and databases although originally two very separate application programs, have both evolved to have a few functions that make them more alike. For example, spreadsheets can sort “records,” and do searches while databases offer some ready made formulas to calculate interest and other sums. Although an advanced user can usually go through gyrations that persuade either type of program to do many, but not all, of the things that the other one does, there are some things which are easier in one program than the other. In order to take full advantage of electronic data it is necessary to be familiar with the specialties of both types of programs.\n\nThe most important difference is how these two programs look at data. A spreadsheet makes it easy to access an individual cell, thus its data, although in table format, can have different types of information in the same column or row. In a database the data is structured, that is a column (field) contains the same type of information for each line. Each line is a record and contains information pertinent to the same overall entity, e.g. a patient. Many of the functions that each does best is based on this difference.\n\nA spreadsheet is a good tool for work that involves mainly mathematical calculations. A database, however, is far superior for managing information. The main difficulty with using a spreadsheet in place of a database is that one has to use a flat file design with all the attendant problems that this creates.\n\nAn excellent resource on this topic is:\n\nPatten, B. (1998). Database vs. spreadsheet is no contest. http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/1998/10/19/smallb4.html?page=1\n\nExcel: Database vs. Spreadsheet. A discussion of when to use which in easily understood language.\nhttp://tutorials.esmartweb.com/excel/databasevsspreadsheet.htm