Scribd
Upload
8 views4 pages

What Is SQL, and What Are Its Primary Components?: Recruiter's Objective: Sample Answer

Uploaded by

Sasindu Gayantha
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
8 views4 pages

What Is SQL, and What Are Its Primary Components?: Recruiter's Objective: Sample Answer

Uploaded by

Sasindu Gayantha
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

1.

What is SQL, and what are its primary


components?
Recruiter's Objective: This question assesses a candidate's foundational knowledge
of SQL and their ability to articulate the core components of the language.
Sample Answer: SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is a programming
language used to manage and manipulate relational databases. The primary
components of SQL include Data Definition Language (DDL), Data Manipulation
Language (DML), Data Control Language (DCL), and Transaction Control Language
(TCL).

2. Explain the difference between INNER JOIN


and LEFT JOIN.
Recruiter's Objective: This question evaluates a candidate's understanding of
different types of SQL joins, a crucial skill for data analysis and querying.
Sample Answer: INNER JOIN returns only the matching rows from both tables,
based on the specified condition. LEFT JOIN, on the other hand, returns all the rows
from the left table and the matching rows from the right table. If no match is found in
the right table, NULL values are returned.

3. How can you eliminate duplicate rows in a


SQL query result?
Recruiter's Objective: This question examines a candidate's knowledge of removing
duplicate data, which is often required when working with large datasets.
Sample Answer: To eliminate duplicate rows in a SQL query result, the candidate
can use the DISTINCT keyword in the SELECT statement. It ensures that only unique
values are displayed in the result set.
4. What is the purpose of the GROUP BY clause
in SQL?
Recruiter's Objective: This question assesses a candidate's understanding of how to
group and aggregate data, a fundamental skill for data analysis.
Sample Answer: The GROUP BY clause is used to group rows that have the same
values in a specified column. It is typically combined with aggregate functions like
SUM, AVG, COUNT, etc., to perform calculations on the grouped data.

5. How do you handle NULL values in SQL?


Recruiter's Objective: This question examines a candidate's ability to handle NULL
values effectively, as they are common in databases.
Sample Answer: NULL values can be handled in SQL using functions like IS NULL
and IS NOT NULL. These functions help identify and filter rows with NULL values.
Additionally, COALESCE function can be used to replace NULL values with a
specific alternative value.

6. What is a subquery in SQL?


Recruiter's Objective: This question evaluates a candidate's knowledge of
subqueries, which are vital for performing complex queries and retrieving data from
multiple tables.
Sample Answer: A subquery, also known as a nested query, is a query nested inside
another query. It is used to retrieve data based on the results of the inner query. The
result of the subquery is then used in the outer query.

7. Explain the concept of indexing in databases.


Recruiter's Objective: This question assesses a candidate's understanding of
indexing, an essential concept for optimizing query performance.
Sample Answer: Indexing in databases involves creating data structures that improve
the speed of data retrieval operations. It works similar to an index in a book, allowing
the database engine to locate specific data quickly. Indexes are created on columns to
enhance search operations by organizing the data in a specific order, reducing the
need for full table scans.
8. What is the difference between UNION and
UNION ALL in SQL?
Recruiter's Objective: This question examines a candidate's knowledge of
combining and manipulating data from multiple tables.
Sample Answer: UNION is used to combine the result sets of two or more SELECT
statements into a single result set, excluding any duplicate rows. UNION ALL, on the
other hand, combines the result sets of multiple SELECT statements, including
duplicate rows.

9. How do you optimize a slow-performing SQL


query?
Recruiter's Objective: This question evaluates a candidate's problem-solving skills
and their ability to improve the efficiency of SQL queries.
Sample Answer: To optimize a slow-performing SQL query, several approaches can
be taken. Some common strategies include:
- Analyzing the query execution plan and identifying any missing indexes.
- Refactoring the query to use more efficient JOINs or subqueries.
- Limiting the data retrieved by adding appropriate filters or conditions.
- Caching frequently accessed data or utilizing database caching mechanisms.
- Partitioning or indexing tables based on access patterns.

10. Explain ACID properties in the context of


database transactions.
Recruiter's Objective: This question assesses a candidate's understanding of ACID
properties, which ensure data integrity and consistency in database transactions.
Sample Answer: ACID stands for Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability,
which are the key properties of a reliable database transaction:

- Atomicity ensures that a transaction is treated as a single, indivisible unit of work. It


either succeeds completely or fails, leaving no intermediate state.
- Consistency ensures that a transaction brings the database from one consistent state
to another, adhering to defined rules and constraints.
- Isolation ensures that concurrent transactions do not interfere with each other,
providing a level of separation and preventing data inconsistencies
- Durability ensures that once a transaction is committed, its changes are permanently
saved and will survive any subsequent system failures.

You might also like