CSC475 · TU past paper
Advanced Database 2080 question paper
The complete TU 2080 exam paper for Advanced Database (CSC475), all 12 questions with solved model answers written to the mark scheme.
Tap a question to open its answer.
- 110 marksSpecialization and GeneralizationHideAnswer
Explain different features of enhanced ER(EER) model. Compare specialization with generalization.[10]
--- The traditional ER model is not sufficient for representing new, complex database applications such as: - Engineering design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) - Telecommunications systems - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) To address t...
- 210 marksObject Database Extensions to SQLHideAnswer
Compare object oriented database with object relational database. What are different object database features that have been included in SQL?[10]
--- Feature Object Oriented Database (OODB) Object Relational Database (ORDB) --------- Base Model Purely based on object oriented programming principles Combines features of both OOP and relational database (RDBMS) Data Storage Data is ...
- 310 marksDistributed Database Concepts and AdvantagHideAnswer
Why distributed database is important? What is transparency? Explain different types of transparencies in distributed databases.[10]
--- A distributed database is a collection of multiple, logically interrelated databases distributed over a computer network. It is important for the following reasons: Organizations are naturally distributed over several geographic loca...
- 45 marksConcepts of File Structures, Hashing, and HideAnswer
Why hashing is important to store data in databases? What is primary file organization? [5]
--- Hashing is a technique that allows searching for the location of desired data on disk. It uses a mathematical function called a hash function to calculate the storage location of data records. - In large databases, it is not possible...
- 55 marksAggregationHideAnswer
Explain aggregation with suitable example. [5]
Aggregation is a feature in the Enhanced Entity-Relationship (EER) model that allows a relationship set to participate in another relationship set. It is used when we need to express a relationship between a relationship and an entity, w...
- 65 marksThe ODMG Object Model and the Object DefinHideAnswer
What is ODMG object model? What is object definition language? [5]
ODMG Object Model and Object Definition Language
ODMG Object Model
ODMG stands for Object Data Management Group. It is a standard data model upon which the Object Definition Language (ODL) and Object Query Language (OQL) are based. It is meant to provide a standard data model for object databases.
Main Parts of ODMG
The ODMG standard is made up of the following parts:
Part Description Object Model Core data model for object databases Object Definition Language (ODL) Language to define object schemas Object Query Language (OQL) SQL-like language to query objects Language Bindings Bindings to OOP languages (C++, Java, etc.) Key Concepts in the ODMG Object Model
The ODMG object model differentiates between Objects and Literals:
Objects:
- Have both an Object Identifier (OID) and a state (current data)
- Values can be modified
- May be transient or persistent
Literals:
- Have a value (state) but no Object Identifier
- Have a constant value
- May be atomic, structure, or collection
Advantages of ODMG-based Object Databases
- Speed: Data can be accessed faster because an object can be retrieved directly
- Improved performance: Best suited for object-oriented programming
- Extensibility: Any kind of data structure can be used to hold data
- Avoids impedance mismatch between the database and the programming language
Object Definition Language (ODL)
Object Definition Language (ODL) is a language used in the context of object-oriented databases to define the structure and characteristics of objects within a database. In ODL, data is organized and stored as objects rather than in traditional relational tables.
Common Elements of ODL
Element Description Classes Define the blueprint/template for objects Attributes Properties or data fields of a class Relationships Associations between classes/objects Inheritance Allows a class to derive properties from a parent class Methods Behaviors or operations defined on objects Constraints Rules that enforce data integrity Summary
ODL provides a powerful and expressive language for defining object-oriented database schemas. It enables the modeling and organization of data in a way that closely aligns with object-oriented programming concepts, making it natural to use alongside languages like C++ and Java through their respective ODMG language bindings.
- 75 marksConcept of Query ProcessingHideAnswer
Explain different steps in query processing. [5]
Query Processing is the process of executing a database query or request for information. It involves several steps that transform a high-level query written in a programming language (such as SQL) into instructions that can be understoo...
- 85 marksQuery Trees and Heuristics for Query OptimHideAnswer
Why query optimization is essential in databases? What is heuristic optimization? [5]
Query Optimization refers to the process of improving the performance and efficiency of database queries by finding the most effective way to retrieve data. The primary goal is to minimize execution time and resource consumption (CPU usa...
- 95 marksData Fragmentation, Replication and AllocaHideAnswer
Define fragmentation. Explain horizontal fragmentation with an example. [5]
Fragmentation is the process of dividing a database into smaller, manageable pieces called fragments, which can be stored at different physical locations in a distributed database system. Each fragment contains a subset of the data from ...
- 105 marksIntroduction to NOSQL SystemsHideAnswer
What are the characteristics of NOSQL Systems? [5]
NoSQL (Not Only SQL) systems are alternatives to traditional relational databases designed to handle large-scale, flexible, and high-performance data management. The key characteristics of NoSQL systems are as follows: --- NoSQL systems ...
- 115 marksActive Database Concepts and TriggersHideAnswer
What is the concept of active database? What are triggers? [5]
An active database is a database system that goes beyond the traditional role of data storage and retrieval by incorporating active behaviour. It enables the database to react and respond to events and triggers in real-time, rather than ...
- 125 marksBigDataHideAnswer
Write short notes on: a) Big data b) Information retrieval [5]
--- Big Data refers to extremely large and complex datasets that cannot be managed, processed, or analyzed using traditional database management tools and techniques within a reasonable time frame. Property Description ------------------...