Database Management Systems

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the main benefits of reducing redundancy in a database?

Increasing data processing speed

Reducing data storage space

Enhancing data security

Improving data consistency (correct)

What is an integrity constraint in a database?

A rule to ensure data consistency

A technique to improve data processing speed

A rule to validate data inputs (correct)

A method to reduce data redundancy

What is a potential problem that can occur when redundant data is not updated correctly?

Data security breach

Data redundancy

Data inconsistency

Data processing failure (correct)

What is the primary goal of a Database Administrator (DBA) in a company?

To serve the needs of the greatest number of users Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of using a Database Management System (DBMS) over a spreadsheet system?

Ability to share data with more users Signup and view all the answers

What is one way a DBMS can improve productivity?

By getting more information from the same amount of data Signup and view all the answers

What does data independence in a DBMS allow for?

Change in the structure of the database without affecting the data Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a DBMS?

To store and retrieve data efficiently Signup and view all the answers

What is an entity in a database?

Something that you want to store data about Signup and view all the answers

What is a record in a database?

An instance of an entity Signup and view all the answers

What type of relationship exists between customers and their sales reps?

One to many Signup and view all the answers

What is an attribute in a database?

A characteristic of an entity Signup and view all the answers

What was a major limitation of old file systems?

Minimal security and difficulty in sharing Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of DBMS systems over file systems?

Structural independence Signup and view all the answers

What was a major issue with using file systems on computers?

Minimal security and difficulty in sharing Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of DBMS systems in terms of data consistency?

Data consistency and integrity Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of file systems that affects productivity?

Require a lot of programming to make it work Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of DBMS systems in terms of database security?

Enhanced data security features Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Data File and Database System

A database system stores all data in files, including lists of entities, their attributes, and relationships between entities.

Advantages of Database System

Database systems allow for getting more information from the same amount of data.
They enable sharing data among multiple users.
They balance conflicting requirements by imposing structure on the database.
They reduce redundancy by saving data elements in only one place, conserving storage space and simplifying updates.
They facilitate consistency by reducing redundancy.
They improve integrity by enforcing rules and constraints on data.
They provide data independence, allowing for changes to the database structure without reentering data.

Database Management System (DBMS)

A DBMS is a software solution that allows users to store, retrieve, and produce reports from data.
A DBMS can perform functions such as update, insertion, and deletion.

Basic Database Terms

An entity is something that you want to store data about, often referred to by a plural noun (e.g., customers, accounts, employees).
An attribute is a characteristic of an entity, also known as a field, column, or property.
A record is all the data about one instance of an entity.
A relationship is an association between entities in a database (e.g., customers and sales reps).

Limitations of File Systems

File systems take a long time to create, learn, and use.
They take a long time to harvest information from.
Maintenance is difficult.
They have minimal security, requiring physical presence.
They do not support features commonly found in DBMS systems.

File System vs. DBMS

File systems do not support structural independence, requiring changes to programs when file structure changes.
DBMS systems support structural independence, allowing for changes to file structure without changing programs.