Abstract: An instance updating method in which an instance of a database displayed by a list can be updated in such a manner that only necessary item is updated when necessary. The instances read from the database are displayed by a list in a state in which inputting is impossible. When an instance to be updated is selected and a command for updating is given, the field of the selected instance is changed into a state in which inputting is possible. After appropriate input is effected, when a command for input confirmation is given, the instance is rewritten into the inputted content, and the instance is returned to the state in which inputting is impossible. The updated instance is reflected in the original database.