Describe the role of Access Control Lists (ACLs) in DB2 security.

  • Control access based on alphabetical criteria
  • Control access based on predefined criteria
  • Control access based on random criteria
  • Control access based on user-defined criteria
Access Control Lists (ACLs) in DB2 security enable administrators to define specific criteria for granting or denying access to database objects based on user-defined conditions, ensuring precise control over who can access what. 

Scenario: A developer wants to import data from a CSV file into a DB2 table. However, the CSV file contains a header row that should be excluded during the import process. Which option of the IMPORT utility should they use?

  • MODIFIED BY ANYORDER
  • MODIFIED BY NOHEADERS
  • MODIFIED BY NOCHARDEL
  • MODIFIED BY COLDEL
The MODIFIED BY NOHEADERS option should be used to exclude the header row during the import process. This option instructs the IMPORT utility not to treat the first row of the input file as column data, effectively skipping it during the import operation. This ensures that only the actual data from the CSV file is imported into the DB2 table, without including the header row. 

Transaction logs in DB2 are crucial for ________.

  • Data compression
  • Database recovery
  • Query optimization
  • Schema modification
Transaction logs in DB2 are crucial for database recovery. These logs record all changes made to the database, including inserts, updates, and deletes, in a sequential manner. In the event of a failure or a need to recover the database to a specific point in time, transaction logs play a vital role by providing a consistent record of transactions. They enable the database to be restored to a consistent state, ensuring data integrity and minimizing the risk of data loss. 

What does troubleshooting involve in the context of DB2?

  • Creating new databases
  • Generating reports
  • Identifying and resolving issues
  • Installing software updates
Troubleshooting in DB2 involves identifying and resolving issues that affect database performance or functionality. This process includes diagnosing problems, analyzing logs, and applying appropriate fixes or configurations to address the root cause of the issue. 

Scenario: An application requires frequent querying of aggregated data from multiple tables. How can materialized views be beneficial in this scenario within a DB2 environment?

  • Materialized views can automatically index columns for faster query performance.
  • Materialized views can automatically update themselves based on underlying table changes.
  • Materialized views can enforce referential integrity constraints across multiple tables.
  • Materialized views can store precomputed aggregated data, reducing query processing time.
Materialized views in DB2 can significantly enhance query performance in scenarios requiring frequent querying of aggregated data from multiple tables. By storing precomputed results, materialized views eliminate the need for repeated computation of aggregates, thereby reducing query processing time. This approach also minimizes resource utilization and enhances overall system efficiency. Materialized views can be periodically refreshed to ensure that the data remains up-to-date, providing users with accurate insights without the overhead of recalculating aggregates on the fly. 

What are the common techniques used to denormalize a database schema?

  • Aggregating Tables
  • Data Duplication
  • Horizontal Partitioning
  • Vertical Partitioning
Denormalization involves introducing redundancy into a table or database to improve query performance or simplify data management. Common techniques include data duplication, where selected data is stored in multiple tables for easier retrieval, and aggregating tables, where data from multiple tables is combined into a single table for faster queries. 

Scenario: A company regularly performs backups of its DB2 database using the EXPORT utility. However, the size of the backups has become increasingly large, impacting storage and performance. What strategies could the company implement to address this issue?

  • Archive Logs
  • Implement Compression
  • Increase Buffer Pool Size
  • Use Parallelism
Implementing compression is an effective strategy to address the issue of large backup sizes when using the EXPORT utility. By enabling compression during the export process, the company can significantly reduce the size of the backup files, thereby saving storage space and improving overall performance. Compression techniques such as zlib or gzip can be applied to the exported data to achieve compression ratios that balance between space savings and processing overhead. 

The COUNT() function in DB2 returns the ________ of rows that meet the specified condition.

  • Number
  • Sum
  • Count
  • Average
The correct option is "Count". The COUNT() function in DB2 returns the number of rows that meet the specified condition. It is commonly used to count the number of rows in a table that satisfy certain criteria. 

The Lock Manager in DB2's architecture ensures ________.

  • Buffer management
  • Data consistency in multi-user environments
  • Data storage and retrieval
  • Query optimization
The Lock Manager in DB2 ensures data consistency in multi-user environments by managing locks on data resources. It ensures that transactions execute serially and concurrently without interfering with each other, thus maintaining data integrity and preventing conflicts. Locks are used to control access to data and prevent concurrent transactions from modifying the same data simultaneously, thereby avoiding inconsistencies. 

What distinguishes different editions of DB2?

  • Functionality
  • Pricing
  • Supported platforms
  • User interface
Different editions of DB2 are distinguished primarily by their functionality. Each edition offers a different set of features and capabilities catering to specific needs and requirements of users. For example, the Express-C edition is designed for small and medium-sized businesses, while the Enterprise edition provides advanced features for large enterprises. Understanding the distinctions between editions helps database administrators select the appropriate version for their organization's needs.