How does referential integrity ensure data integrity in DB2?

  • By compressing the data
  • By creating indexes
  • By encrypting the data
  • By enforcing relationships between tables
Referential integrity in DB2 ensures data integrity by enforcing relationships between tables. This means that when a foreign key in one table references a primary key in another table, the integrity of the relationship is maintained. For example, if a record in the parent table is deleted or updated, the corresponding records in the child table are also updated or deleted to maintain consistency. This helps prevent orphan records and ensures that the data remains accurate and consistent throughout the database. 

Which command line tool is commonly used for basic database administration tasks in DB2?

  • DB2 Command Line Processor (CLP)
  • MySQL Command Line Client
  • SQL Server Management Studio
  • SQL*Plus
The DB2 Command Line Processor (CLP) is commonly used for basic database administration tasks in DB2. It provides a command-line interface for executing SQL statements, managing database objects, and performing administrative tasks. CLP offers flexibility and efficiency for administrators to interact with the DB2 database system directly from the command line. 

Scenario: A developer is designing an application that requires high concurrency in DB2.

  • Increase the transaction isolation level to ensure stronger consistency.
  • Minimize transaction duration by breaking down tasks into smaller units.
  • Use a deadlock detection mechanism and implement retry logic.
  • Utilize Serializable isolation level to prevent concurrency-related issues.
In a high-concurrency environment, minimizing transaction duration by breaking tasks into smaller units can reduce the likelihood of conflicts and deadlocks. By keeping transactions short-lived, the system can handle more concurrent requests, optimizing throughput. This approach helps in avoiding contention for resources and ensures efficient utilization of system resources. 

Analyzing and optimizing the ________ can lead to better overall DB2 performance.

  • Application code
  • Buffer pools
  • Database configuration
  • Locking mechanisms
Analyzing and optimizing the database configuration, including parameters such as buffer pool sizes, can lead to better overall DB2 performance. 

Which data format is commonly used for representing hierarchical data structures in DB2?

  • CSV
  • JSON
  • TXT
  • XML
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is commonly used for representing hierarchical data structures in DB2. JSON provides a lightweight and easy-to-read format for organizing and exchanging data, making it well-suited for applications that require hierarchical data representation, such as web services and NoSQL databases. 

Scenario: An organization is required to comply with strict data security regulations. How can they ensure that sensitive data stored in DB2 is adequately encrypted?

  • Ignoring encryption as it's unnecessary
  • Implementing native encryption features provided by DB2
  • Storing sensitive data in plain text
  • Using third-party encryption tools
Implementing native encryption features provided by DB2 ensures that sensitive data is encrypted within the database itself, offering strong protection against unauthorized access. Storing sensitive data in plain text violates security regulations and exposes the data to potential breaches. Using third-party encryption tools may introduce compatibility issues and additional management overhead. Ignoring encryption disregards security requirements and exposes the organization to compliance risks. 

OLE DB acts as a(n) ________ for integrating DB2 with Windows-based systems.

  • API
  • Interface
  • Middleware
  • Object-relational mapping
OLE DB serves as an interface for integrating DB2 with Windows-based systems. It allows applications on Windows platforms to access and manipulate data stored in DB2 databases using a consistent set of APIs. OLE DB facilitates data exchange and communication between DB2 and Windows applications. 

SQL's UPDATE statement is used to ________ existing records in a database table.

  • Delete
  • Insert
  • Modify
  • Retrieve
The UPDATE statement in SQL is used to modify existing records in a database table. It allows you to change the values of specific columns in one or more rows based on specified conditions. 

Scenario: An application requires that a certain column in a DB2 table always contains a valid date value. Which constraint should be applied to enforce this rule?

  • Check Constraint
  • Foreign Key Constraint
  • Primary Key Constraint
  • Unique Constraint
A Check Constraint allows the specification of a condition that each row in the table must satisfy. In this scenario, a Check Constraint can be used to ensure that the column always contains valid date values by defining a condition to validate dates. 

When using the SUM() function in DB2, NULL values in the column are ________ in the calculation.

  • Counted
  • Ignored
  • Treated as Zero
  • Excluded
The correct option is "Ignored". When using the SUM() function in DB2, NULL values in the column are ignored in the calculation. Only non-NULL values are summed up. It's essential to be aware of this behavior when performing calculations with SUM().