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. 

Different editions of DB2 are tailored to meet specific ________ requirements.

  • Business
  • Hardware
  • Regulatory
  • Security
Different editions of DB2 are tailored to meet specific business requirements. Each edition of DB2 is designed with a particular set of features and capabilities to address the diverse needs of businesses across various industries and sectors. For instance, enterprise-level editions might offer advanced business intelligence tools, scalability features, and support for large datasets, while smaller editions might focus on basic transaction processing and reporting functionalities suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. Understanding these tailored features helps organizations in selecting the right edition of DB2 that aligns with their specific business requirements and objectives. 

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. 

The decision to use XML or JSON in DB2 depends on factors such as ________.

  • Compatibility with other systems
  • Complexity of data and application requirements
  • Developer's personal preference
  • Storage requirements and performance considerations
The decision to use XML or JSON in DB2 depends on factors such as the complexity of the data and application requirements. It's crucial to consider the structure and nature of the data to choose the appropriate format.