Chapter # 1 Important Short Questions

1) What is data processing and List different tasks in Data Processing?

The manipulation of data to achieve the required objective and result is called data processing. There are three main
tasks in data processing.
a. Data Capturing
b. Data Manipulation
c. Managing Output Results
2) What is data manipulation?
Applying different operation of data to change its appearance is called data manipulation.
3) What is meant by database?
A database is a collection of logically related data sets or files. Each file may contain different type of information and
are used for specific purposes. The file may be organized in different ways to meet different processing and retrieval
requirements of the users.
4) Define Field?
Field is a unit of data consisting of one or more characteristics. Example Employee number, Employee Name in a
record of the employee.
5) Define Record?
A collection of related data items treated as a single unit is called a record.
6) Define File?
A collection of related records treated as a single unit is called a file or dataset.
7) Distinguish between Data And Information.
Data Information
Data is collection of raw facts and figures, data is huge in The processed form of data is called information,
volume. Data can be an input for some process. information is short in volume. Information can be
output of a certain process.
8) What is Traditional File System?
Traditional file system was used to store data on the computer. It was an early attempt to computerize the manual
file system. Files are stored in hard disk. Each file has records in it.
9) What do you mean by File Organization and why file organization is important in database design?
Technique of physically arranging the data on secondary storage like hard disk is called file organization. It is
necessary because it tells the order in which data will be maintained on disk and how it will be represented when it is
inserted an retrieved, It also help to fetch data fast.
10) What is meant by Transaction File?
A type of file that is used to store input data before processing is called transaction file. It may be temporary file and
may exist until the master file is updated.
11) What do you mean by data integrity?
Data integrity means correctness and consistency of data. It is another form of database protection. It is related to
quality of data.
12) Difference in Master File And Transaction File?
Master File Transaction File
The file that is used to store the information that remain This type of file stores the input data before processing.
constant for a long period of time is called Master File. It may be temporary file and may exist until the master
These files are never empty since they are created. file is updated.
13) What is meant by Data Independence?
It means data and application programs are separate from each other. The user can change data storage structures
and operations without changing the application programs and can also modify programs without reorganization of
data.
14) What is the concept of consistency constraint?
Consistency means accuracy of data. Constraints are rules or requirements that implements in database management
system. Consistency constraints are rules that must be followed to enter data in the database.
15) Define the term redundancy?
Redundancy means duplication of data. It is result of poor planning in data base design.
16) What is Backup File And what is it’s purpose?
A type of file that is used to take backup of important data is called backup file. If data is lost it can be recovered from
backup file.
 17) What is the usage of index in file management and DBMS?
Index is a data structure used by dbms to locate a particular record in a file more quickly. Indexes can be used for
sorting and searching process. The performance of database is improved with these indexes. Indexes stored in index
file.
18) State the use of query language?
SQL (Structure Query Language) is used for creating table structures, entering data into them and retrieving /
updating the selected records, based on the particular criteria and format indicated, within the databases.
19) What is the use of DDL (Data Definition Language)?
DDL stands for data definition language. It consists of SQL commands used to define database, creating tables,
indexes and views. Some commands of DDL are Create Table and Create View.
20) What is data dictionary? Or use of data dictionary?
Data dictionary is a file that is used to store data definitions or description of structure of data used in database. It
may also monitor the data that is used. It is also called repository.
21) Name Four database Objects / Components.
1. Data 2. Hardware 3. Software 4. Personnel
22) List objectives of DBMS.
1. Share ability 2. Availability 3. Evolve ability 4. Data Integrity
23) What is database management System (DBMS)?
A collection of programs to create and maintain database is known as database management system.
24) Why report generator is used in database system?
Report generator is used to produce reports, it retrieves data from database and displays it in different formats. The
user can use report generator to format page number, dates, titles and columns heading etc.
25) Why is it important to specify data type and size of a field?
The data type specify the type of data to be saved the field and field size defines the maximum number of characters
that can be stored in a field. It help to eliminate data inconsistency.

Important Long Questions Chapter 1

1. What is File? Explain different types of file systems.
2. Define database system. Explain components of data base system.
3. Define database system. Explain types of database models.
4. Briefly describe the advantages and disadvantage of database management system.
Chapter # 2 Important Short Questions

1) Who is data administrator?

A data administrator is a person who is responsible for entire data of an organization. He normally develops the
overall functional requirements for the database being used in the office.
2) Who is a database administrator?
A database administrator is an important person in the development of any database system. He is responsible for
the design, implementation, operation, management and maintenance of database system.
3) How a relation is formed in database?
The relations are formed according to the attributes of entity, about which information is to be stored. The attributes
of entity becomes the fields of the relation. The name of the entity becomes the name of the relation/table.
4) Who is end user?
A end user is a person who use computer for his own need. He might have a moderate knowledge of computer. He
does not need in depth knowledge of computer system.
5) Distinguish between Primary Key and Secondary Key.
Primary Key Secondary Key
Primary key is attribute or set of attribute that uniquely Secondary key is non-unique attribute. A field of
identify record in a table. Every table has only one combination of fields that is basis for retrieval is called
primary key. secondary key.
6) Define entity?
An entity is anything about which you want to keep information in the database. The entity must have a unique
identifier. The identifier is composed of one or more attributes.
7) Define view and purpose of view.
A view is also known as virtual table. The basic purpose of using views is to keep data safe and secure from
unauthorized and illegal users. A view can also display records from multiple tables. The view provide more flexibility
and security in displaying data.
8) Define the term relation.
A relation is used to store information about an entity. It is another name of a table. It consist of rows and columns.
9) Why are keys defined in tables.
Keys are defined in tables to access data quickly. The are also used to create relationship between different tables.
10) Difference in primary key and foreign key?
Primary Key Foreign Key
Primary key is attribute or set of attribute that uniquely Foreign key is an attribute in a table whose values must
identify record in a table. Every table has only one match a primary key in another table.
primary key.
11) Define Field.
Field is a unit of data consisting of one or more characteristics. Employees name, employee number in a record of the
employee table.
12) What is Candidate Key / Alternate Key?
Candidate key also uniquely identifies rows of a table. The primary key of a table is selected from one of the
candidate key. So candidate key has the same properties as the primary key.
13) What is composite key?
A primary key that contains two or more attributes/data elements is called composite key.
14) What is Sort / Control Key?
A sort / Control key is used to physically sequence the stored data according to our need.
15) What is the usage of index in file management and DBMS?
Index is a data structure used by dbms to locate a particular record in a file more quickly. Indexes can be used for
sorting and searching process. The performance of database is improved with these indexes. Indexes stored in index
file.
16) What is Record?
A collection of related data items treated as a single unit is called a record.

Important Long Questions Chapter 2

1. Explain properties of a Relation.
2. What is key? Explain all types of keys.
Chapter # 3 Important Short Questions

1) What is Feasibility Study and why it is used?

It is also called preliminary study/investigation which determines whether the new system is affordable, workable and
possible. It includes boundaries, cost and time required to develop the system.
2) What is meant by requirements analysis?
In this step user requirements about new system are collected. Different tools and techniques are used to collect
information such as interviews, questionnaires. System input and output will also be determined.
3) What is the importance of project planning?
It refers to a complete time table or schedule for a project. In this process, a project is divided into major parts called
phases. Each phase is divided into smaller units called tasks/activities. In this way project can be easily managed.
4) Who is meant by data analysis?
It is very important stage in which the collected data about the system is analyzed to make sure that it is accurate and
complete. It involves following activities (1) DfD (2) Decision Table (3) Decision Trees
5) Distinguish between Entity And Entity Instance.
Entity Entity Instance
Anything that is participating in system is known as A member of an entity class is known as an entity
entity. Entity can be a person, place thing or event. instance. For example student can be an entity and
student Tahir can be entity instance.
6) Define attribute. Give an example?
The characteristics or properties of any entity are called attributes. Entity may have many attributes. For example Roll
#, Name ,Address, Class can be attributes of Student entity.
7) What do you mean by Relationships?
Logical connection between entities is called relationship. It can can be (1 ) one to one relationship (2) One to many
relationship.
8) What is Cardinality?
It defines each record of one entity is related to how many records of the second entity. It means that cardinality
defines the maximum number of records in a relationship.
9) What is modality?
It defines the nature of relationship. It describes the relationship as mandatory or optional.
10) Difference in indexes and integrity constraints?
Indexes Integrity Constraint
Index is a table that is used to determine the location of It refers to the correctness and consistency of data. It is
rows in a table that satisfies some condition. another form of database protection. Security involves
protecting while integrity is concerned with the quality of
data.
11) What is the concept of data distribution strategy?
Companies who have distributed computing network adopt different data distribution strategies some them are
a) Centralized: - In this strategy all data is located at a single site.
b) Partitioned: - In this strategy, the database is divided into partitions or fragments.
c) Replicated: - In this strategy, full copy of database is assigned to more than one site in the network.
d) Hybrid: - In this strategy, he database is partitioned into critical and non critical fragments.
12) Write the use of E.R. Diagram?
An E-R diagram is a graphical representation of entities in a database and relationship between them. It tells basic
structure of relations and how they associate with each other. Rectangle Represent Entity, Diamond Represent
relationship while oval represent Attributes of relation.
13) What is the objective of physical database design and list components of physical database design?
The major objective of physical database design is to implement the database as a set of records, files, indexes and
other data structures. (1) Data volume and usage analysis (2) Data distribution strategy (3) File organization (4)
Indexes (5) Integrity Constraints
14) Why is Normalization used?
It is a technique for organizing data in a database. It is important that a database is normalized to minimize
redundancy and to ensure only related data is stored in each table.

Important Long Questions Chapter 3

1. What is database design Explain Conceptual Database Design?
2. What is physical database design? Explain components of Physical Database design.
Chapter # 4 Important Short Questions

1) Define Normalization.
Normalization is the process of converting complex data structures into simple and stable data structures.
2) Define Determinant?
A determinant is an attribute whose value enables us to obtain the values of other related attributes. It appears on
the left side of a functional dependency. Thus in A  B, the determinant is A.
3) How is data integrity maintained?
Data integrity is maintained with the help of integrity constraints. The constraints are the rules which are used to
make a the data consistent and correct.
4) What are database anomalies? Only list their names?
Database anomalies are the errors that occur due to duplication of data in the relations. These anomalies affect the
process of inserting, deleting and modifying data in the relations. Following are the types of anomalies.
a. Insertion Anomaly b. Deletion anomaly c. Modification Anomaly
5) What is functional dependency?
It is a relationship between two attributes. It states that if the value of one attribute is known, it is possible to obtain
the value of another attribute e.g. Roll No , Marks.
6) Define Transitive dependency?
It is a type of a functional dependency between two or more non key attributes. It exists if one non key attribute
depends on other non key attributes.
7) Define Partial Dependency?
A type of dependency in which one or more non key attributes are functionally dependent on a part of primary key is
called partial dependency.
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8) Define 3 Normal Form? Or when is a relation in 3NF?
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A relation is said to be in 3 Normal Form if it is in 2NF and no transitive dependency exists. It is an important factor
in normalization. A relation is not in 3NF if the value of non-key attribute can be obtained by knowing the value of
another non key attribute.
9) What do you mean by entity integrity?
It is a constraint on a primary key value, it is state that any attribute of primary key cannot contains null value. If
primary key contains null value then is not possible to uniquely define the tuple of record assures that it should be
easy to identify each entity in database.
10) How referential integrity can be achieved?
It is constraint on a foreign key value. It states that if a foreign key exists in a relation then foreign key value must
Match the primary key value in parent relation. It is achieved by connecting two relations by specifying relationships
between them. When two relations are connected one is called parent other is called dependent table.
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11) How 2 Normal form is achieved? Or When a relation is in 2 Normal Form.
It is achieved when
a. The primary key contain only one attribute.
b. Relationship should be in first normal form.
c. Every non key attribute is functionally dependent on the full set of primary key attribute.
12) Define repeating groups?
The term repeating group has also come to be used informally and imprecisely by database designers to mean a
repeating set of columns, meaning a collection of colours containing similar kinds of values in a table. This is different
to its original meaning in relation to 1NF.
13) Define Mutual Exclusiveness of data?
The data that does not have overlapping information is known as mutually exclusive data. It creates problem in cases
where values are “Yes / No”.
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14) When a relation is in 1 Normal Form?
A relation is in First Normal Form if and only if all underlying domains contain atomic values only.
15) What is Normal Form?
A normal form is a state of a relation that can be determined by applying simple rules, regarding dependencies to that
relation.
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16) Write down conditions for a Table to be in 2 NF?
nd
A table will be in 2 NF if any of the following conditions apply.
a. The primary key consists of only one attribute.
b. No non key attributes exists in the relation.
c. Every non key attribute is functionally dependent on the full set of primary key attributes.
Important Long Questions Chapter 4 : - 1. Define Normalization. Explain all types of normalization.