Most databases are set-up using a database package.

A typical database package will allow a user to:

• Create a file by entering their own field definitions;
• Specify automatic validation checks for fields;
• Add new fields to records or delete fields that are no longer needed;
• Add, edit and delete records in a file;
• Perform simple searches and complex searches using more than one condition;
• Import data from other applications software;
• Export data in standard file formats to other applications software;
• Create customised report forms for output;
• Create customised data entry screens;
• Create customised menu screens and link them menu together;
• Link files together using common fields.