Mention the famous types of DBMS user interfaces and the type of users using each of them?
 Menu-based, popular for browsing on the web
 Forms-based, designed for naïve users
 Graphics-based
 (Point and Click, Drag and Drop, etc.)
 Natural language: requests in written English
 Combinations of the above:
 For example, both menus and forms used extensively in Web database
interfaces
 Speech as Input and Output
 Web Browser as an interface
 Parametric interfaces, e.g., bank tellers using function keys.
 Interfaces for the DBA:
 Creating user accounts, granting authorizations
 Setting system parameters
Changing schemas or access paths
What is meant by Database System Utilities?
Or
Mention five utilities should be invoked in DBMS?
 Loading data stored in files into a database. Includes data conversion tools.
 Backing up the database periodically on tape.
 Reorganizing database file structures.
 Report generation utilities.
 Performance monitoring utilities.
 Other functions, such as sorting, user monitoring, data compression, etc
What is Data dictionary / repository?
 Used to store schema descriptions and other information such as design decisions,
application program descriptions, user information, usage standards, etc.
 Active data dictionary is accessed by DBMS software and users/DBA.
Passive data dictionary is accessed by users/DBA only
Mention the types of DBMS Architectures?
1- Centralized DBMS:
Combines everything into single system including- DBMS software, hardware, application
programs, and user interface processing software.
2- Basic 2-tier Client-Server Architectures
Specialized Servers with Specialized functions
a. Print server
b. File server
c. DBMS server
d. Web server
e. Email server
3- Three Tier Client-Server Architecture
Common for Web applications
Intermediate Layer called Application Server or Web Server:
a. Stores the web connectivity software for the database server
b. Acts like a conduit for sending data between the database server and the client.
c. Database server only accessible via middle tier
d. Clients cannot directly access database server
What is Advantage and disadvantage of network data model?
Advantages
1- Network Model is able to model complex relationships
2- Can handle most situations for modeling using record types and relationship types.
3- Programmers can do optimal navigation through the database.
Disadvantages
1- Navigational and procedural nature of processing
2- Database contains a complex array of pointers
What is Advantage and disadvantage of Hierarchical Data Model?
Advantages
1- Simple to construct and operate
2- Corresponds to a number of natural hierarchically organized domains
Disadvantages
1- Navigational and procedural nature of processing
2- Database is visualized as a linear arrangement of records
What is Advantage and disadvantage of relational Data Model?
Advantages
1- Simple to construct and operate
2- Some free open source DBMS applications like MySQL
Disadvantages
1- Shortage of flexibilities in large database systems
2- Complex relations are difficult in manipulations