Database Design for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Relational Database Design

Name the two main types of databases in use today.

The two main types of databases in use today are operational and analytical .

What type of data does an analytical database store?

An analytical database stores dynamic data.

True or False: An operational database is used primarily in on-line transaction processing (OLTP) scenarios.

True. An operational database is used primarily in OLTP scenarios.

What two data models were commonly used in the days before the relational database model?

The hierarchical and network database models were commonly used in the days before the relational database model.

Describe a parent/child relationship.

In a parent/child relationship, a parent table can be associated with one or more child tables, but a single child table can be associated with only one parent table.

What is a set structure?

A set structure is a transparent construction that establishes and represents a relationship in a network database.

Name one of the branches of mathematics on which the relational model is based.

The relational model is based on two branches of mathematics set theory and first-order predicate logic .

How does a relational database store data?

A relational database stores data in relations , which the user perceives as tables.

Name the three types of relationships in a relational database.

The three types of relationships in a relational database are one-to-one , one-to-many , and many-to-many .

How do you retrieve data in a relational database?

You retrieve data in a relational database by using SQL.

State two advantages of a relational database.

The advantages of a relational database include built-in multilevel integrity, logical and physical data independence from database applications, guaranteed data consistency and accuracy, and easy data retrieval.

What is a relational database management system?

A relational database management system, or RDBMS, is a software program you use to create, maintain, modify, and manipulate a relational database.

What is the premise behind the object-relational model?

The object-relational model extends the relational database model by incorporating various object-oriented elements and characteristics, such as classes, encapsulation, and inheritance.

What is the purpose of a data warehouse?

A data warehouse allows organizations to access data stored in any number of relational and nonrelational databases.

What is XML and why is it significant?

XML stands for eXtensible Markup Language and is quickly becoming a de facto data-transfer standard for sharing data across heterogeneous systems.