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Database Management Systems > Unit 1: Introduction and Conceptual Modeling > Flashcards

Unit 1: Introduction and Conceptual Modeling Flashcards

1
Q

What is a database?

A

An organized collection of interrelated data designed for efficient storage, retrieval, and modification.

Example: A university database containing students, courses, and enrollment records.

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2
Q

What is a Database Management System (DBMS)?

A

Software that manages databases by providing tools to store, retrieve, update, and manage data.

Examples: Oracle, MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL.

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3
Q

What are the advantages of using a DBMS?

A
  • Reduced data redundancy and inconsistency
  • Improved data sharing among multiple users
  • Enforced data integrity and security
  • Better data backup and recovery procedures
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4
Q

What are the main components of a Database System Architecture?

A
  • Storage Manager
  • Query Processor
  • Transaction Management
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5
Q

What functions does the Storage Manager perform?

A
  • File Manager
  • Buffer Manager
  • Authorization & Integrity Manager
  • Transaction Manager
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6
Q

What is the role of the Query Processor?

A
  • DDL Interpreter
  • DML Compiler & Query Optimizer
  • Query Evaluation Engine
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7
Q

Define the Relational Model.

A

Data is stored in tables (relations) with rows (tuples) and columns (attributes).

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8
Q

What does an Entity-Relationship (ER) Model represent?

A
  • Entities
  • Attributes
  • Relationships
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9
Q

What symbols are used in ER Diagrams?

A
  • Rectangle: Entity set
  • Ellipse: Attribute
  • Diamond: Relationship
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10
Q

What are some examples of Database Applications?

A
  • Sales
  • HR
  • Inventory
  • Accounting
  • Banking
  • Airlines
  • Telecommunications
  • Web services
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11
Q

What does SQL stand for?

A

Structured Query Language.

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12
Q

List the basic SQL operations.

A
  • Create
  • Read
  • Update
  • Delete
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13
Q

What is Data Definition Language (DDL)?

A

Commands that define or modify the structure of database objects.

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14
Q

What does the SQL command CREATE do?

A

Defines new tables/objects.

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15
Q

What does the SQL command ALTER do?

A

Modifies table structure.

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16
Q

What is the purpose of the DROP command in SQL?

A

Removes a table (structure and its data).

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17
Q

What does the TRUNCATE command do?

A

Deletes all rows and frees space without logging individual row deletions.

18
Q

What is the Data Manipulation Language (DML)?

A

Commands to modify the data.

19
Q

What is the primary command in Data Query Language (DQL)?

A

SELECT.

20
Q

What is the purpose of Data Control Language (DCL)?

A

Manage access rights.

21
Q

What is the function of Transaction Control Language (TCL)?

A

Manage transactions.

22
Q

What are SQL constraints?

A

Enforce rules at the column/table level.

23
Q

What does the NOT NULL constraint enforce?

A

No null values allowed.

24
Q

What is a PRIMARY KEY in SQL?

A

Combination of NOT NULL and UNIQUE; uniquely identifies rows.

25
Q

What does Referential Integrity ensure?

A

Foreign key values must match primary key values in the related table or be null.

26
Q

What is the purpose of normalization in database design?

A

Refine the design to reduce redundancy and avoid anomalies.

27
Q

What are the normal forms in database normalization?

A
  • First Normal Form (1NF)
  • Second Normal Form (2NF)
  • Third Normal Form (3NF)
  • Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF)
28
Q

What is a Super Key?

A

A set of attributes that can uniquely identify a row.

29
Q

What is the principle of least privilege?

A

Grant minimal privileges to users.

30
Q

What is the function of a Data Dictionary?

A

Stores metadata about the database.

31
Q

What is the role of the Buffer Manager?

A

Responsible for managing main memory buffers that hold copies of disk blocks.

32
Q

What are B-Trees used for?

A

Database indices because they reduce the number of disk accesses.

33
Q

What does the INSERT command do in SQL?

A

Adds new rows of data to a table.

34
Q

What is the purpose of the UPDATE command in SQL?

A

Modifies existing data in a table.

35
Q

What is the purpose of the DELETE command in SQL?

A

Removes rows based on a condition.

36
Q

What is a view in SQL?

A

A virtual table created from one or more tables.

37
Q

What is a transaction in database management?

A

A sequence of operations performed as a single logical unit of work.

38
Q

What is the purpose of the COMMIT command?

A

Saves changes permanently.

39
Q

What is the purpose of the ROLLBACK command?

A

Reverses uncommitted changes.

40
Q

What is a fill-in-the-blank: The __________ is a self-balancing tree data structure that keeps data sorted.

A

B-Tree.

Database Management Systems (1 decks)

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