1. What does the term data independence mean, and why is it an important goal?

Answer :

• Logical Data Independence: The capacity to change the conceptual schema without
having to change the external schemas and their application programs.

• Physical Data Independence: The capacity to change the internal schema without
having to change the conceptual schema.

When a schema at a lower level is changed, only the mappings between this schema and
higher-level schemas need to be changed in a DBMS that fully supports data independence.
The higher-level schemas themselves are unchanged. Hence, the application programs need
not be changed since they refer to the external schemas.

2. List 10 potential benefits of the database approach over conventional file systems.

Answer :

a.Program –Data Independence: Any change to a file structure requires changes to

the file descriptions of all related programs that access the file. But, in database approach if
any change occurs it automatically change all other related programs.

b. Duplication of Data: Database approach is developed on the basis of a master

plan. So, there is no chance of data duplication through out the database. Conventional file
processing system is an unplanned method and there is a great chance of data duplication.

c. Data Sharing Scope on Demand: With the traditional file processing approach,
each application has its own private files, and users have little opportunity to share data
outside their own applications. But, in database is an dynamic approach to share data with
the all related users.

d. Quick Development Time: With traditional file processing systems, each new
application requires that the developer essentially start from scratch by designing new file
formats and descriptions and then writing the file access logic for each new program. In
database, there is predefined model and dynamic functionality for data management. So,
database development consumes less time than file processing system development.
 e. Cheaper Maintenance than conventional file processing system: Traditional file
processing systems requires a heavy program maintenance load than database approach.
So, database system is cheaper.

f. Atomicity of updates: Database doesn’t allow partial or inconsistent record. But,

conventional file processing allows it. So, the data of database is absolute and complete. For
example: Transfer of funds from one account to another should either complete or not
happen at all. Program –Data Independence: Any change to a file structure requires changes
to the file descriptions of all related programs that access the file. But, in database approach
if any change occurs it automatically change all other related programs.

g. Concurrent access by multiple users: In file system, uncontrolled concurrent

accesses can lead to inconsistencies. Example: Two people reading a balance and updating it
at the same time. But, in database approach concurrent access is controlled and there is no
chance of data updating in same field by different users.

h. Security issues: In database system, security can be assured in different level of

users, generally defined by database administrator. But, in file processing system this scope
is very limited, we can say not at all.

i. More organize: Database approach provides the the more organized format data
view to the users than file process system.

j. Reliability: Database approach is more reliable for it’s functionality, performance,

security, and scalability over conventional file processing.

3. Define a three-tiered database architecture?

Answer :

The objective of the three-level architecture is to separate the users’ view(s) of the
database from the way that it is physically represented. This is desirable since:

* It allows independent customized user views: Each user should be able to access the
same data, but have a different customized view of the data.
* These should be independent: changes to one view should not affect others.

* It hides the physical storage details from users: Users should not have to deal with
physical database storage details. They should be allowed to work with the data itself,
without concern for how it is physically stored.

4. Explain the differences between user views, a conceptual schema, and an internal
schema as different perspectives of the same database.

Answer :

External Level (User Views) : A user's view of the database describes a part of the database
that is relevant to a particular user. It excludes irrelevant data as well as data which the user
is not authorized to access.

Conceptual Level : The conceptual level is a way of describing what data is stored within the
whole database and how the data is inter-related. The conceptual level does not specify
how the data is physically stored. Some important facts about this level are ... DBA works at
this level. Describes the structure of all users. Only DBA can define this level. Global
view of database. Independent of hardware and software.

Internal Level : The internal level involves how the database is physically represented on the
computer system. It describes how the data is actually stored in the database and on the
computer hardware.