Intro Flashcards
How does the Oxford English Dictionary define a database?
The Oxford English Dictionary defines a database as “a set of information held in a computer.
Why are databases considered important for computing?
Databases are crucial for computing because many applications involve handling large amounts of information. Database systems provide tools for storing, searching, and managing this information efficiently.
Why are databases considered a ‘core topic’ in computer science and IT?
Databases are considered a ‘core topic’ in computer science and IT because basic concepts and skills related to database systems are assumed to be part of the skill set for computer science and IT graduates.
Where can databases be found in various aspects of everyday life?
Databases are virtually everywhere and can be found in a variety of aspects of everyday life, including library catalogues, medical records, bank accounts, stock market data, personnel systems, product catalogues, telephone directories, train timetables, airline bookings, credit card details, student records, customer histories, stock market prices, discussion boards, and many more.
What role do database systems play in computing applications?
Database systems play a crucial role in computing applications by providing a set of tools for storing, searching, and managing large amounts of information efficiently.
Why is it important for CS and IT graduates to have basic concepts and skills with database systems?
It is important for computer science and IT graduates to have basic concepts and skills with database systems because databases are fundamental to many computing applications, and proficiency in managing and utilizing databases is essential for success in these fields.
How were applications managed in the very early days of computing?
In the very early days of computing, all applications were tailor-made, and each application stored and persisted its data in files.
What was the characteristic of files in the early days of computing applications?
Each file in the early days of computing had its own format, and the program responsible for creating the file had to know and adhere to that specific format.
What challenge did programs face in the early days when using files?
In the early days, any program using files had to know the format of the files it was interacting with. This lack of standardization made it challenging for different programs to work with the same set of files.
How did the program’s knowledge of file formats affect interoperability in the early days?
In the early days, interoperability was limited as any other program wanting to use the files had to be aware of and compatible with the specific file format used by the creating program.
What was a common characteristic of data storage formats in the early days of computing applications?
Each file in the early days had its own unique format, and programs were required to be aware of and designed to handle the specific format of the data they were using or creating.
What was the principle regarding data copies in the early days of computing?
In the early days of computing, the principle was to keep only one copy of the data.
What was the expectation for applications in terms of file format knowledge?
All applications were expected to know the file format in the early days of computing.
What was the requirement for data in the context of all applications?
In the early days, data for all applications had to be present, emphasizing a single, centralized copy of the data.
How did the principle of keeping one copy of data impact data management?
Keeping one copy of data in the early days impacted data management by requiring a centralized approach and necessitating that all applications reference and use this single copy.
What was a common challenge associated with the requirement for all applications to know the file format?
A common challenge was that all applications had to be designed to understand and conform to the specific file format, limiting interoperability and data exchange between diverse programs.
What is one of the ongoing problems mentioned in managing data in computing?
Concurrency, specifically dealing with multiple simultaneous changes to data, is mentioned as an ongoing problem in managing data in computing.
What is a concern related to security in the context of data management?
Security is a concern, particularly the issue that everyone can see everything, as highlighted in the challenges of managing data.
What can pose challenges when dealing with data formats?
Additions or changes to data format are noted as potential challenges when managing data in computing.
Why is addressing concurrency important in data management?
Addressing concurrency is important in data management to ensure that multiple simultaneous changes to data do not result in conflicts or inconsistencies, maintaining data integrity.
How can the issues of concurrency be addressed in data management?
One solution is to introduce a program in the middle that can coordinate access, preventing simultaneous access problems by managing and controlling interactions.
What additional benefits can a program in the middle provide?
A program in the middle can provide extra integrity and security checks, enhancing data reliability and safeguarding against unauthorized access.
What shift in approach does the statement “Applications link with DBMS rather than data files” suggest?
The statement suggests a shift from applications interacting directly with data files to applications linking with a Database Management System (DBMS) for improved data management.
How does the presence of a program in the middle impact data integrity and security?
The program in the middle can enhance data integrity and security by implementing coordination mechanisms to avoid simultaneous access issues and by adding checks to ensure the validity and security of data transactions.
What role does the program in the middle play in the transition from data files to a DBMS?
The program in the middle serves as an intermediary, facilitating the transition from applications directly interacting with data files to applications linking with a Database Management System (DBMS) for more efficient and controlled data management.
How were early databases organized in terms of development?
Early databases were organized by the developer, indicating a developer-centric approach to structuring and managing data.
What was a characteristic of new functions in early databases?
New functions in early databases were specifically created and were not designed to be reusable, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of the database system.
Why was adding new queries to early databases considered complicated?
Adding new queries to early databases was complicated, possibly due to a lack of standardized methods and tools, making the process cumbersome and less user-friendly.
What was the state of standards in early databases?
In the early stages, there were no standards that were database-specific, contributing to a lack of uniformity and interoperability among different database systems.
What challenges were associated with data duplication and data dependencies in early databases?
Data duplication and data dependencies were prevalent challenges in early databases, leading to issues related to data consistency, integrity, and overall database efficiency.
How did early databases fall short in addressing aspects like security, recovery, and concurrency?
Early databases did not effectively address aspects such as security, recovery, and concurrency, indicating a lack of robust mechanisms to handle these critical aspects of data management.
Who introduced the relational model in 1970?
E. F. Codd introduced the relational model in 1970, marking a significant development in the field of database management.
How is information stored in the relational model?
In the relational model, information is stored as records in relations, which are commonly known as tables.
What is a notable characteristic of the relational model?
The relational model is based on a sound mathematical basis, providing a formal and well-defined structure for organizing and managing data.
What aspects of data does the relational model cover?
The relational model covers key aspects of data, including structure (how data is organized in tables), integrity (ensuring the accuracy and consistency of data), and manipulation (performing operations on the data).
What are relations in the context of the relational model?
In the relational model, relations are tables that store records, representing a collection of related information organized in a structured format.
What is the ANSI/SPARC Architecture, and when was it proposed?
The ANSI/SPARC Architecture is a framework for Database Management Systems (DBMS) that was proposed in 1975 by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards Planning Requirements Committee (SPARC).
How many levels does the ANSI/SPARC Architecture propose, and what are they?
The ANSI/SPARC Architecture proposes a three-tier/level architecture:
Internal Level: Designed for system designers.
Conceptual Level: Intended for database designers.
External Level: Tailored for database users.
What is the purpose of the Internal Level in the ANSI/SPARC Architecture?
The Internal Level is designed for system designers and focuses on the internal details of how data is stored and processed within the database system.
Who is the Conceptual Level of the ANSI/SPARC Architecture intended for?
The Conceptual Level is intended for database designers, providing a high-level representation of the entire database without delving into implementation details.
