1) Define DBMS. Explain its advantages.
(7 Marks)
A Database Management System (DBMS) is software that enables users to define, create,
maintain and control access to databases.
Advantages of DBMS:
1. Reduced Data Redundancy – Duplicate data is minimized
2. Improved Data Consistency – Same data across all applications
3. Data Security – Authorized access through privileges
4. Data Sharing – Multiple users can access data simultaneously
5. Data Integrity – Accuracy and correctness of data
6. Backup and Recovery – Protection against data loss
7. Data Independence – Changes do not affect applications
2) Explain Three-Level Architecture of DBMS. (7 Marks)
The Three-Level Architecture separates user view from physical storage.
Levels:
External Level
User-specific views
Enhances security
Conceptual Level
Logical structure of database
Defines entities, attributes, relationships
Internal Level
Physical storage of data
File organization and indexing
Advantages:
Data abstraction
Data independence
Better security and maintenance
3) What is Data Independence? Explain its types. (7 Marks)
Data Independence refers to the ability to change database schema without affecting application
programs.
Types:
Physical Data Independence
Change in physical storage does not affect logical level
Example: Changing file structure
Logical Data Independence
Change in logical schema does not affect external view
Example: Adding a new attribute
Importance:
Easy database modification
Reduced maintenance cost
4) Explain ER Model and its components. (7 Marks)
The Entity Relationship (ER) Model represents real-world objects and their relationships.
Components:
1. Entity – Real-world object (Student)
2. Attribute – Properties of entity (Name, Roll No)
3. Relationship – Association between entities
4. Cardinality – One-to-One, One-to-Many, Many-to-Many
Advantages:
Simple design
Easy to understand
Useful for database modeling
5) What is Normalization? Explain 1NF, 2NF, and 3NF. (7
Marks)
Normalization organizes data to reduce redundancy.
1NF:
Atomic values
No repeating groups
2NF:
In 1NF
No partial dependency
3NF:
In 2NF
No transitive dependency
Advantages:
Reduces redundancy
Improves data integrity
6) Explain Types of Keys in DBMS. (7 Marks)
Types of Keys:
1. Primary Key – Unique and not NULL
2. Candidate Key – Possible primary keys
3. Alternate Key – Candidate key not selected
4. Foreign Key – References primary key of another table
5. Composite Key – Multiple attributes
6. Super Key – Unique identifier
7) What is a Transaction? Explain ACID properties. (7
Marks)
A Transaction is a sequence of operations executed as a single unit.
ACID Properties:
1. Atomicity – All or nothing
2. Consistency – Valid state transition
3. Isolation – Independent execution
4. Durability – Permanent changes
8) Explain SQL and its types of commands. (7 Marks)
SQL is used to manage relational databases.
Types:
1. DDL – CREATE, DROP, ALTER
2. DML – INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE
3. DQL – SELECT
4. DCL – GRANT, REVOKE
5. TCL – COMMIT, ROLLBACK
9) Explain Concurrency Control in DBMS. (7 Marks)
Concurrency control ensures correct execution of transactions.
Problems:
Lost Update
Dirty Read
Inconsistent Data
Techniques:
Lock-based protocol
Timestamp-based protocol
Two-phase locking (2PL)
10) Explain Deadlock in DBMS. (7 Marks)
Deadlock occurs when transactions wait indefinitely for each other.
Conditions:
1. Mutual Exclusion
2. Hold and Wait
3. No Preemption
4. Circular Wait
Prevention:
Deadlock detection
Deadlock avoidance
Deadlock recovery
11) Explain Backup and Recovery techniques. (7 Marks)
Backup:
Copy of database for safety
Types:
Full backup
Incremental backup
Differential backup
Recovery Techniques:
Log-based recovery
Checkpointing
Shadow paging
12) Explain Relational Model in DBMS. (7 Marks)
The Relational Model organizes data in tables (relations).
Components:
Rows (Tuples)
Columns (Attributes)
Keys
Advantages:
Simple structure
Easy querying
Data integrity
13) Explain Integrity Constraints in DBMS. (7 Marks)
Integrity constraints ensure correctness of data.
Types:
1. Domain Constraint
2. Entity Integrity
3. Referential Integrity
4. Key Constraint
14) Explain File Organization techniques. (7 Marks)
Types:
1. Sequential File
2. Indexed File
3. Direct (Hash) File
Comparison:
Access speed
Storage efficiency
Use cases
15) Explain Database Security in DBMS. (7 Marks)
Security Measures:
1. Authentication
2. Authorization
3. Encryption
4. Access Control
5. Audit Trails
Importance:
Prevents unauthorized access
Protects sensitive data
