Database System Concepts - Disadvantages of DBMS

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Questions and Answers

What is a disadvantage of using a Database Management System (DBMS)?

It simplifies data access and storage.

It enhances data integrity effortlessly.

It requires high-speed data processors and large memory. (correct)

It reduces the complexity of data handling.

What does the term 'schema' refer to in the context of databases?

The logical structure of the database. (correct)

An operating system that supports databases.

The physical storage of data on the disk.

A type of database management software.

Which of the following best describes a complex issue associated with DBMS?

Ease of data retrieval for users.

Higher potential impact of data loss due to failure. (correct)

Lower costs for hardware and software.

Increased frequency of system upgrades.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a DBMS?

It only uses a single user interface type. Signup and view all the answers

What is the physical schema of a database?

The actual design of the database at the hardware level. Signup and view all the answers

What does the physical level of database abstraction describe?

How a record is stored Signup and view all the answers

Which level of abstraction hides details of data types from application programs?

View level Signup and view all the answers

In a 1-Tier architecture, how does the user interact with the database?

Directly sitting on the DBMS Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the 2-tier architecture?

It requires a direct database connection for each user Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about DBMS architecture is true?

DBMS architecture influences user connection methods Signup and view all the answers

Who primarily benefits from a 1-Tier architecture?

Programmers developing local applications Signup and view all the answers

What is a main limitation of 1-Tier architecture?

It does not allow remote access Signup and view all the answers

What defines the logical level of database abstraction?

The structure and organization of data within the database Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes naive users in database systems?

They interact with the system using pre-written programs. Signup and view all the answers

Which group of users writes application programs for database systems?

Application programmers Signup and view all the answers

What do rapid application development (RAD) tools enable application programmers to do?

Create forms and reports without programming. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a query processor in a database system?

To translate high-level queries into instructions for the storage manager. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of user is known for using database query languages without writing programs?

Sophisticated users Signup and view all the answers

Which programming features do fourth-generation languages typically include?

Imperative control structures and data manipulation statements. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes application programmers best?

They create application programs and user interfaces. Signup and view all the answers

What type of user typically explores data by submitting queries?

Sophisticated users Signup and view all the answers

What is another term for the conceptual level in database architecture?

Logical level Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of an external schema?

To describe user-specific views of the database Signup and view all the answers

What does conceptual/internal mapping define?

Correspondence between conceptual schemas and internal files Signup and view all the answers

Why are internal details hidden at the conceptual level?

To reduce complexity for programmers Signup and view all the answers

What type of mapping defines correspondence between external views and the conceptual view?

External/Conceptual Mapping Signup and view all the answers

Which level of database architecture describes what data is stored and relationships between the data?

Conceptual level Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a subschema in an external schema?

To define user-specific views of the database Signup and view all the answers

How are the three levels of database architecture interconnected?

By correspondence known as mapping Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the storage manager in a database system?

To provide a connection between the database and application programs Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the storage manager is responsible for ensuring database consistency during transaction executions?

Transaction manager Signup and view all the answers

What does the authorization and integrity manager do?

Tests integrity constraints and checks user access Signup and view all the answers

Which function does the buffer manager perform in a database system?

Decides what data to cache in main memory Signup and view all the answers

How does the storage manager interact with the file manager?

It communicates low-level file commands for data storage Signup and view all the answers

Why is the buffer manager considered critical in a database system?

It allows handling of larger data sizes than main memory Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a component of the storage manager?

File compression manager Signup and view all the answers

What primary task must the transaction manager accomplish?

Maintain database consistency despite failures Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

User Interfaces in DBMS

Offers various user interfaces like Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).
Designed for different user interactions with the database system.

Disadvantages of DBMS

Cost: Requires high-speed processors and large memory, leading to increased hardware and software costs.
Size: Occupies significant disk space and memory for efficient operation.
Complexity: Adds complexity to database management and operations.
Failure Impact: Centralized storage means risks of data loss due to failures, such as electrical issues or database corruption.

Database Instances and Schemas

Schema: Represents the logical structure of a database.
Physical Schema: Refers to the database design at the physical level, similar to variable type information in programming.
Example Use: Applications like Parallel data analysis utilize schemas for data organization.

Levels of Abstraction in DBMS

Physical Level: Describes how records are stored.
Logical Level: Defines the data stored and relationships; akin to a record structure in a programming context.
View Level: Simplifies user interactions by hiding underlying data type details for better usability and security.

DBMS Architecture

Client/server architecture supports large networks of PCs and servers for extensive database operations.
1-Tier Architecture: Users directly interact with the DBMS, making immediate changes without intermediary tools.
Conceptual Level: Hides internal implementation details, outlining what data is stored and their relationships.
3-Tier Architecture: Incorporates external schemas, providing customized views of the database for different user groups.

Mapping Between Views

Correspondence: Three levels of architecture require mappings between them to maintain functional integrity.
Conceptual/Internal Mapping: Connects conceptual records to internal data structures.
External/Conceptual Mapping: Links external views to conceptual definitions, allowing tailored access for users.

Types of Database Users and Interfaces

Naive Users: Unsophisticated users who interact via pre-written application programs, like bank tellers executing transfers.
Application Programmers: Create application programs using tools like Rapid Application Development (RAD) for user interfaces.
Sophisticated Users: Use query languages without programming, submitting queries to a processor for execution.

Storage Manager Responsibilities

Facilitates communication between stored data and application queries.
Translates DML statements into file-system commands for data management.
Components:
- Authorization and Integrity Manager: Validates integrity constraints and user access rights.
- Transaction Manager: Maintains database consistency and manages concurrent transaction execution.
- File Manager: Oversees disk space allocation and data structure representations.
- Buffer Manager: Handles data fetching and caching, crucial for managing data larger than available memory.

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Description

Explore the disadvantages of Database Management Systems (DBMS) including hardware and software costs, along with the space requirements. This quiz covers key concepts from the Database System Concepts textbook. Test your knowledge on the challenges associated with DBMS.