Hierarchical vs. Network Database Quiz

Degree of a Relation

• Refers to the number of attributes (columns) in a relation (table) within a relational database.

Primary Key

• A unique identifier for each record in a table, ensuring no duplicate entries and defining the rows.

Relations Connection

• Relations are connected through the use of keys, primarily primary keys and foreign keys, which establish links between records in different tables.

Purpose of Joining Tables

• Joining tables allows for the combination of data from multiple tables, enabling complex queries and a more comprehensive view of the data.

Foreign Key

• A foreign key is an attribute in one table that links to the primary key of another table, creating relationships between data across tables.

Records Representation

• Records in a relation are represented as tuples (rows), where each tuple corresponds to a unique occurrence of data matched to the table’s attributes.

Purpose of a Database

• The main purpose is to reduce data redundancy by efficiently organizing and storing data to minimize duplication.

Service Offerings of a Relational Database

• A relational database needs to offer data storage, retrieval, manipulation, integrity, and support for concurrent access.

Built-in Integrity Checks

• Integrity checks are crucial as they enforce rules that maintain the accuracy and consistency of the data within the database.

Key Characteristic of Reliable Database

• A reliable database consistently maintains data integrity and availability under various operating conditions.

Evolution of a Database

• A database should be able to evolve over time through modifications in its structure or schema, adapting to new requirements and changing data.

Technology-Proof Importance

• Importance lies in the ability to remain functional and compatible across various platforms and technologies to prevent obsolescence.

Advantage of RDBMS

• The main advantage is the structured organization of data that allows for complex querying with relationships among tables, facilitating data management.

Connection of Tables in RDBMS

• Tables in an RDBMS are interconnected using primary keys and foreign keys, enabling seamless data integration across multiple tables.

Definition of Relational Database

• A relational database is a structured collection of data organized into tables that can be related based on shared attributes.

Data Structure of RDBMS

• An RDBMS uses a tabular data structure, simplifying data representation in rows and columns.

Key Feature Distinguishing RDBMS

• The key feature is the use of relationships between tables via foreign and primary keys, which differentiates it from non-relational databases.

Handling Object Properties in RDBMS

• RDBMS handles object properties or attributes through the application of tables and rows, representing data properties as columns in structures.

Test your knowledge on the differences between hierarchical and network databases. Understand how these database models handle relationships, redundancy, and search flexibility.