1. Introduction

Question 1

What is one major task of a GIS besides producing maps?

Answer 1

To efficiently manage large databases of complex information

Question 2

What is a database?

Answer 2

a large collection of interrelated data stored within a computer environment

Question 3

What is a DBMS?

Answer 3

a collection of software that manages the database structure and controls access to data stored in a data base

Question 4

What are the five functions a DBMS can perform to a database?

Answer 4

1. Defines (data types, structures, constraints)
2. Constructs (storing the data itself into persistent storage)
3. Manipulates (joining, indexing, modifying, etc.)
4. Queries (retrieve data, SQL)
5. Updates (changing values)

Question 5

What is data independence?

Answer 5

a user can interact with a representation of data independently of the actual physical storage

Question 6

What are the two steps of modeling a database schema?

Answer 6

1. Define the database schema / constraints
2. Insert, update, delete, and query data

Question 7

How is a relational database composed?

Answer 7

Rows/Tuples and Columns/Attributes

Question 8

What are the two approaches of designing a relational schema?

Answer 8

1. Conceptual modeling: describe the objects of interests together with the relationships among them (entities and their entity types; Paris to France)
2. Logical level: conceptual schema is translated into the data model of a particular DBMS (follow transformation rules and describe the relational schema with the data definition language)

Question 9

What is SQL?

Answer 9

SQL stands for structured query language. It is a declarative, simple query language used in all relational systems. It relies on relational calculus and algebra. It has limitations as it cannot be expressed not compute arithmetic computations, for example.

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SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is a domain-specific language (designed for a specific area or specialized for a particular problem) used for managing and manipulating relational databases. SQL provides a standardized way to interact with databases, allowing users to perform tasks such as querying data, inserting, updating, and deleting records, creating and modifying database structures (tables, indexes, views), and controlling access to the data.

SQL is used to communicate with relational database management systems (RDBMS) like MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Database, and more. It is a powerful tool for working with structured data and is essential for tasks ranging from basic data retrieval to complex data analysis and management.

Question 10

What is a declarative language

Answer 10

A language in which a user expresses what he expects as a result.

Question 11

What is persistent storage?

Answer 11

Persistent storage in a Database Management System (DBMS) refers to the long-term storage of data in a way that the data remains available even after the system or application is shut down or restarted. Persistent storage involves using various physical storage devices, such as hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and network-attached storage (NAS), to store data on a more permanent basis

Question 12

primary key

Question 13

composite key

Question 14

candidate keys