Database Storage & Design Chapter 1 Homework However Unlike Previous Models The

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– Part III

Chapter 1 Introduction to Databases

Review Questions

1.1 List four examples of database systems other than those listed in Section 1.1.

Some examples could be:

1.2 Discuss each of the following terms:

Data For end users, this constitutes all the different values connected with the

various objects/entities that are of concern to them. See also Section 1.3.4.

Database See Section 1.3.1

1.3 Describe the approach taken to the handling of data in the early file-based systems. Discuss the

disadvantages of this approach.

1.4 Describe the main characteristics of the database approach and contrast it with the file-based

approach.

1.5 Describe the five components of the DBMS environment and discuss how they relate to each

other.

See Section 1.3.3.

1.6 Discuss the roles of the following personnel in the database environment:

Data Administrator See Section 1.4.1

1.7 Discuss the three generations of DBMSs.

The CODASYL and hierarchical approaches represented the first generation of DBMSs. They

were based on the concept that smaller components come together as parts of larger

components, and so on, until the final product is assembled. This structure, which conforms to

1.8 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of database management systems.

See Section 1.6

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Exercises

1.9 Interview some users of database systems. Which DBMS features do they find most useful and

why? Which DBMS facilities do they find least useful and why? What do these users perceive to

be the advantages and disadvantages of the DBMS?

1.10 Write a small program (using pseudocode, if necessary) that allows entry and display of client

details including a client number, name, address, telephone number, preferred number of rooms,

and maximum rent. The details should be stored in a file. Enter a few records and display the

details. Now repeat this process but rather than writing a special program, use any DBMS that

you have access to. What can you conclude from these two approaches?

The program can be written in any appropriate programming language, such as Pascal,

1.11 Study the DreamHome case study presented in Section 10.4 and Appendix A. In what ways would

a DBMS help this organization? What data can you identify that needs to be represented in the

database? What relationships exist between the data? What queries do you think are required?

1.12 Study the Wellmeadows Hospital case study presented in Appendix B.3. In what ways would a

DBMS help this organization? What data can you identify that needs to be represented in the

database? What relationships exist between the data?

1.13 Discuss what you consider to be the three most important advantages for the use of a DBMS for a

company like DreamHome and provide a justification for your selection. Discuss what you

1.14 Using any Web browser, look at some of the following Web pages and discover the wealth of

information available there:

– Part III

(a) http://www.oracle.com