Review Questions
2.1 Discuss the concept of data independence
and explain its importance in a database
environment.
2.2 To address the issue of data independence,
the ANSI-SPARC three-level architecture
was proposed. Compare and contrast the
three levels of this model.
2.3 What is a data model? Discuss the main types
of data model.
2.4 Discuss the function and importance of
conceptual modeling.
2.5 Describe the types of facility you would
expect to be provided in a multi-user DBMS.
2.6 Of the facilities described in your answer to
Question 2.5, which ones do you think would
notbe needed in a standalone PC DBMS?
Provide justification for your answer.
2.7 Discuss the function and importance of the
system catalog.
2.8 Describe the main components in a DBMS
and suggest which components are
responsible for each facility identified in
Question 2.5.
2.9 What is meant by the term ‘client–server
architecture’ and what are the advantages of
this approach? Compare the client–server
architecture with two other architectures.
2.10 Compare and contrast the two-tier
client–server architecture for traditional
DBMSs with the three-tier client–server
architecture. Why is the latter architecture
more appropriate for the Web?
2.11 What is a TP Monitor? What advantages does a
TP Monitor bring to an OLTP environment?