Relational Algebra and Database Keys Quiz

A database system's core function is to store and manage substantial amounts of data effectively.

Relational databases organize data into well-defined tables, with rows representing records and columns representing attributes.

Views provide a simplified or specialized perspective on the data, without presenting the complete underlying structure.

Constraints are rules imposed on data to ensure integrity and consistency.

Normalization aims to reduce data redundancy by eliminating unnecessary data repetitions, improving data efficiency and consistency.

Entities represent real-world things or concepts with unique identifiers, attributes, and relationships.

Weak entity sets depend on a strong entity set for their existence, requiring a partial key for identification.

Cardinality constraints define the number of instances in one entity that can relate to another. Types include one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many.

The logical structure of a database is defined by the database schema. It outlines the relationships between tables and the data within those tables.

Primary keys uniquely identify each record in a table. Foreign keys link records between different tables. Composite keys combine multiple columns to create a unique identifier.

The SELECT operation in relational algebra filters rows based on certain criteria. It extracts specific rows meeting the specified conditions from a table.

The CARTESIAN PRODUCT combines all rows from one table with all rows from another table, creating a new table with all possible combinations.

The PROJECT operation selects specific columns from a table. It creates a new table with only the chosen columns.

Tuple relational calculus and domain relational calculus are two types of relational calculus. They use a declarative approach to query a database.

The JOIN operation combines rows from two or more tables based on a shared attribute. It merges records that have common values.

A primary key uniquely identifies each record within a table. It is a single column or a combination of columns that guarantees uniqueness for each row.

A unique identifier for each row in the relation.

A foreign key that references another relation.

A composite key that consists of two or more attributes.

An operation in relational algebra that combines two or more relations by including all rows from both relations.

An operation in relational algebra that selects rows that exist in both of the specified relations.

An operation in relational algebra used to delete a relation.

An operation in relational algebra that divides one relation by another relation, returning the rows that are in the first relation but not in the second.

A type of relational calculus query that uses tuples (rows) as the primary unit of data.

A type of database that uses a structured table format to store and manage data. Each table has rows (records) and columns (attributes) representing specific data elements.

A method for retrieving specific data from a database by specifying conditions and selecting columns. It allows access to desired information based on criteria.

A special type of database that uses a structured table format and supports multiple, interconnected tables. It allows for efficient data management and complex relationships.

A powerful language used to interact with relational databases. It allows for tasks like data retrieval, manipulation, and management.

The process of combining rows from multiple tables based on a shared column. It allows for merging data from different tables into a single, cohesive dataset.

A single, atomic unit of work that guarantees data consistency in a database. It involves a sequence of operations that are treated together as a single, inseparable transaction.

The property that ensures a transaction executes as a single, indivisible unit. Either all operations within the transaction succeed or none of them do.

The property that guarantees a transaction will leave the database in a consistent state, without violating any defined integrity constraints.

The property that ensures a transaction executes independently of other concurrent transactions, preventing data conflicts and ensuring data isolation.

The property that guarantees once a transaction successfully completes, its changes become permanent and survive system failures.

A set of properties that ensure transactions are processed reliably and consistently in a database management system. These properties include atomicity, consistency, isolation, and durability.

The process of breaking down a large database into smaller, more manageable units, often to improve query performance.

A data structure used in database systems to organize and retrieve data efficiently. It uses a tree-like structure with branching nodes and leaf nodes holding data elements.

The process of minimizing the repeated storage of similar data elements in a database to improve efficiency and reduce potential inconsistencies.

A key objective in relational database design. It ensures that data is consistent and reliable throughout the database, preventing conflicts and contradictions.

A fundamental concept in relational database design that describes the relationship between two columns. It states that the value of one column (determinant) determines the value of another column (dependent).

A standard for organizing data in a relational database. It involves a series of rules, each enforcing a specific level of data integrity and minimizing redundancy. Five of these are commonly used: 1NF, 2NF, 3NF, BCNF, and 4NF.

A type of normal form that aims to eliminate all types of dependencies, including partial dependencies, transitive dependencies, and multi-valued dependencies. Data is as independent and consistent as possible.

A powerful technique used to optimize data retrieval. It provides a shortcut to specific data within a large database, allowing for quick searches and access, like an index in a book.

A file organization technique that efficiently stores and retrieves sorted data. It resembles a tree structure with multiple levels, facilitating fast navigation and data searching.

A crucial step in database design aiming to optimize data storage, retrieval, and security. It involves determining the best order for data to be stored, ensuring efficient access and organization.

A step in database design that involves creating a detailed logical model of the database, specifying the relationships between data elements, and defining constraints.

A step in database design that involves translating the conceptual design into a technical implementation, choosing appropriate data structures and storage strategies, and ensuring the database is scalable and performant.

A step in database design that involves gathering information from users and stakeholders to understand the database's purpose and requirements. This includes identifying the data entities, attributes, and relationships.

A step in database design that involves creating a high-level model of the database, depicting the core entities, attributes, and relationships without considering specific implementation details.