Introduction to databases Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of a database in a software application?
a) To enhance graphical user interfaces
b) To store and manage data on disk
c) To debug application code
d) To execute operating system commands
b) To store and manage data on disk
What type of database management systems (DBMS) were introduced in the 1960s?
a) Relational and NoSQL
b) Hierarchical and network
c) Distributed and columnar
d) Flat file and XML-based
b) Hierarchical and network
Who is credited with the invention of the relational database management system (RDBMS)?
a) Dr. Eric Brewer
b) Dr. Edgar F. Codd
c) Dr. Armando Fox
d) Larry Ellison
b) Dr. Edgar F. Codd
What was the initial name for SQL, the query language developed by IBM?
a) Relational Query Language (RQL)
b) Structured English Query Language (SEQUEL)
c) Advanced Database Language (ADL)
d) Query and Analysis Language (QAL)
b) Structured English Query Language (SEQUEL)
What was Oracle V2 known for when released in 1979?
a) Being the first distributed database
b) Introducing vertical scaling
c) Being the first commercially-available RDBMS
d) Supporting hierarchical data storage
c) Being the first commercially-available RDBMS
Which concept from the CAP theorem states that distributed systems cannot achieve all three properties simultaneously?
a) Availability, scalability, and replication
b) Consistency, availability, and partition tolerance
c) Fault tolerance, availability, and consistency
d) Replication, partition tolerance, and scalability
b) Consistency, availability, and partition tolerance
What process involves adding more CPU, RAM, or disk to a single database system to meet resource demands?
a) Horizontal scaling
b) Vertical scaling
c) Cluster scaling
d) Network scaling
b) Vertical scaling
What distinguishes NoSQL databases from traditional RDBMSs?
a) They always prioritize consistency over availability
b) They are designed for horizontal scaling across machines
c) They do not store structured data
d) They require special hardware configurations
b) They are designed for horizontal scaling across machines
What inspired the development of distributed or non-relational databases in the early 2000s?
a) The rise of SQL-based systems
b) The demand for better graphical interfaces
c) Large-scale internet applications requiring scalability
d) The decline of RDBMS performance
c) Large-scale internet applications requiring scalability
What is the key difference between vertical and horizontal scaling?
a) Vertical scaling adds resources to one system, while horizontal scaling uses multiple systems
b) Vertical scaling is faster, but horizontal scaling is less reliable
c) Vertical scaling applies only to NoSQL databases, while horizontal scaling is for RDBMS
d) Vertical scaling improves partition tolerance, while horizontal scaling does not
a) Vertical scaling adds resources to one system, while horizontal scaling uses multiple systems
What does the term ‘partition tolerance’ mean in the context of the CAP theorem?
a) A system can maintain operations despite network failures
b) A database can process partitions faster
c) It ensures data consistency across all nodes
d) It prioritizes availability over consistency
a) A system can maintain operations despite network failures
Why are NoSQL databases well-suited for cloud environments?
a) They minimize the need for storage
b) They can add machine instances easily through horizontal scaling
c) They depend on custom operating systems
d) They avoid the use of structured data models
b) They can add machine instances easily through horizontal scaling
Which of the following is an example of a NoSQL database advantage?
a) Supports SQL queries for all operations
b) Can quickly scale out by adding more machines
c) Requires less complex architecture than RDBMS
d) Maintains strict consistency across all nodes
b) Can quickly scale out by adding more machines
What is a key factor when selecting a database for a new application?
a) The database’s popularity
b) The specific goals and requirements of the application
c) The availability of cloud hosting
d) Whether it supports only vertical scaling
b) The specific goals and requirements of the application
What is the most common approach today in large enterprises regarding database use?
a) Exclusively using RDBMS databases
b) Combining NoSQL and RDBMS databases as needed
c) Relying on flat-file storage
d) Using only hierarchical database systems
b) Combining NoSQL and RDBMS databases as needed
