Scenario: An application developer wants to add an index to a frequently queried column in a DB2 table. However, they are concerned about the overhead of maintaining the index during data modifications. How would you advise them?

  • Consider using a bitmap index, which can reduce the overhead of index maintenance for frequently modified columns.
  • Create a materialized view instead of adding an index to improve query performance without incurring index maintenance overhead.
  • Opt for a clustered index on the frequently queried column to minimize index maintenance overhead.
  • Utilize a hash index for the frequently queried column to minimize index maintenance overhead.
Using a bitmap index can be a suitable solution for columns that are frequently queried but undergo frequent data modifications. Bitmap indexes can efficiently handle changes to the indexed data while still providing improved query performance. Hash indexes are not commonly used in DB2 and may not effectively address the concern about index maintenance overhead. Materialized views and clustered indexes are not directly related to the issue of reducing index maintenance overhead for frequently modified columns. 

The DELETE FROM statement in SQL allows for the removal of records based on specified ________.

  • Columns
  • Conditions
  • Constraints
  • Parameters
The DELETE FROM statement in SQL allows for the removal of records based on specified conditions. These conditions typically involve comparisons between the values in certain columns and specific criteria. 

Scenario: A company wants to ensure that every time a new record is inserted into a specific table, an email notification is sent to the administrator. Which database object in DB2 can help achieve this requirement?

  • Stored Procedure
  • Trigger
  • User-Defined Function
  • View
Triggers in DB2 are special types of stored procedures that are automatically executed or fired when certain events occur in the database. In this scenario, using a trigger would be the most appropriate solution as it allows automatic actions to be performed, such as sending an email notification upon insertion of a new record into the specified table. 

Upgrading to a newer version of DB2 is driven by factors such as ________.

  • Compatibility concerns
  • Cost implications
  • Features and enhancements
  • Technical requirements
Upgrading to a newer version of DB2 often involves considering various factors such as the features and enhancements offered by the newer version. Organizations may upgrade to take advantage of improved performance, security, or functionality. Understanding these factors helps organizations make informed decisions about when and how to upgrade their DB2 installations. 

The TIMESTAMP data type in DB2 stores ________ values.

  • Date and time
  • Numeric
  • Only date
  • Only time
The TIMESTAMP data type in DB2 stores both date and time values. It is used to represent a precise point in time, down to fractions of a second. This data type is particularly useful when dealing with time-sensitive data, such as event logging or transaction timestamps, as it allows for accurate recording and manipulation of chronological information. 

What is the purpose of constraints in DB2?

  • Ensure data integrity
  • Improve query performance
  • Organize data hierarchically
  • Simplify database administration
Constraints in DB2 ensure data integrity by enforcing rules on the data that is entered into a table. This helps maintain consistency and accuracy of data, preventing invalid or inconsistent data from being inserted. 

In SQL, what is the purpose of the WHERE clause in a SELECT statement?

  • Groups the rows
  • Limits the rows returned
  • Orders the result set
  • Specifies the columns
The WHERE clause filters rows in a SELECT statement based on a specified condition. It is used to extract only the rows that fulfill a specified condition or criteria from a table. 

Which component of DB2 is responsible for managing user access permissions?

  • Authorization Manager
  • Backup Scheduler
  • Data Loader
  • Query Optimizer
The Authorization Manager in DB2 is responsible for managing user access permissions. It determines which users have access to which data and what actions they can perform on that data. By configuring the Authorization Manager, database administrators can control user access at a granular level, ensuring data security and compliance with organizational policies. 

The BLOB data type in DB2 is suitable for storing ________.

  • Large binary data
  • Character data
  • Numeric data
  • Textual data
The correct option is Option 1: Large binary data. BLOB stands for Binary Large Object, and it's used for storing large binary data, such as images, videos, or documents, in DB2 databases. 

What factors should be considered when selecting the installation directory for DB2?

  • Accessibility for backup and recovery procedures
  • Available disk space and permissions
  • Compatibility with other software
  • System performance implications
When selecting the installation directory for DB2, it's crucial to consider factors such as available disk space and permissions. These ensure that the installation proceeds smoothly and that there are no issues with storage or access permissions. Compatibility with other software is also important to avoid conflicts. Additionally, the chosen directory should not adversely affect system performance, and it should be easily accessible for backup and recovery procedures.