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. 

The NOT NULL constraint in DB2 ensures that a column ________.

  • Must contain NULL values
  • Must contain empty values
  • Must contain non-NULL values
  • Must contain unique values
The NOT NULL constraint in DB2 ensures that a column must contain non-NULL values, meaning every row in the column must have a value assigned to it and cannot be left empty. This constraint guarantees the presence of data in the specified column, thereby preventing the insertion of NULL values, which can lead to data inconsistency or errors in queries and calculations. It ensures data integrity and helps enforce business rules regarding mandatory data entry. 

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. 

The ________ index physically reorganizes the table data based on the indexed column(s).

  • Clustered
  • Composite
  • Non-clustered
  • Unique
A clustered index in DB2 physically reorganizes the table data based on the indexed column(s). It arranges the rows in the table in the order of the indexed column(s), resulting in the actual data storage reflecting the index structure. This can significantly improve the performance of queries involving range-based searches or sorting operations since the data retrieval is aligned with the physical order of the rows, reducing the need for extensive disk I/O operations. 

What is meant by concurrency control in DB2?

  • Ensuring high availability of the DB2 server
  • Implementing security measures to control access to DB2 resources
  • Managing simultaneous access to data by multiple transactions
  • Optimizing SQL queries for performance
Concurrency control in DB2 refers to the management of simultaneous access to data by multiple transactions. It ensures that transactions execute without interfering with each other, maintaining data integrity and consistency. This involves techniques such as locking, timestamping, and multiversion concurrency control to coordinate the execution of transactions and prevent conflicts that could lead to data anomalies. 

Scenario: A DBA notices inconsistencies in a DB2 database due to data integrity violations. How can they investigate and resolve these issues effectively?

  • Conducting thorough data analysis using DB2 utilities such as CHECK DATA and REPAIR DB
  • Reviewing transaction logs to identify the source of integrity violations
  • Collaborating with application developers to identify and fix data manipulation errors
  • Implementing constraints and triggers to enforce data integrity at the database level
Option 1: Conducting thorough data analysis using DB2 utilities such as CHECK DATA and REPAIR DB enables the DBA to identify and resolve inconsistencies effectively. These utilities can help in identifying corrupt data pages, missing rows, or inconsistencies in indexes. This method ensures that the database remains consistent and reliable. 

In DB2, a user-defined function can be created using the ________ statement.

  • CREATE FUNCTION
  • DECLARE FUNCTION
  • DEFINE FUNCTION
  • MAKE FUNCTION
User-defined functions in DB2 are created using the CREATE FUNCTION statement. This statement allows developers to define custom functions that can perform specific tasks and can be reused across multiple queries. Functions created using this statement can enhance code modularity and maintainability.