What is the primary goal of performance tuning in DB2?

  • Enhancing query execution speed
  • Increasing CPU usage
  • Maximizing disk space
  • Optimizing database design
Performance tuning in DB2 aims to enhance query execution speed by optimizing various aspects such as indexes, database design, and configuration parameters to improve overall system performance. 

Which type of constraint in DB2 ensures data integrity by enforcing uniqueness?

  • Primary Key
  • Foreign Key
  • Check Constraint
  • Unique Constraint
A Unique Constraint in DB2 ensures data integrity by enforcing uniqueness in a specific column or combination of columns, ensuring that each value in the column(s) is unique across the table. This constraint prevents duplicate entries, ensuring data accuracy and consistency. Therefore, the correct option is a Unique Constraint. Primary Key also enforces uniqueness but additionally implies uniqueness and not nullity, making Unique Constraint a more general answer for ensuring uniqueness. 

Scenario: A data analyst needs to generate reports from a DB2 database that involve traversing result sets in both forward and backward directions. How can they achieve this efficiently using cursors in DB2?

  • Use dynamic cursors
  • Use insensitive cursors
  • Use scrollable cursors
  • Use static cursors
Scrollable cursors would be the most efficient choice for traversing result sets in both forward and backward directions. Scrollable cursors allow data to be accessed in any direction (forward or backward) and at any row within the result set, providing the flexibility needed for efficient navigation during report generation. Unlike forward-only cursors, scrollable cursors enable bidirectional movement through the result set without the need to re-query the database. 

The XML Declaration in DB2 specifies the ________ of the XML standard being used.

  • Encoding
  • Language
  • Schema
  • Version
The XML Declaration in DB2 specifies the version of the XML standard being used. It typically appears at the beginning of an XML document and declares the XML version number (e.g., '1.0' or '1.1'). This declaration ensures that parsers interpret the document correctly according to the specified XML version. 

Scenario: A DBA needs to design a clustering strategy for a new DB2 database. What factors should they consider when selecting a clustering key?

  • Data distribution, uniqueness, and access pattern
  • Query optimization techniques and indexing algorithms
  • Server hardware specifications and operating system
  • Table size, number of columns, and indexing strategy
When selecting a clustering key, a DBA should consider factors such as the distribution of data values, the uniqueness of the key, and the access patterns of the queries. A clustering key should ideally distribute data evenly across the table to prevent hot spots, ensure uniqueness to avoid duplicates, and align with common query patterns to optimize query performance. 

Range partitioning in DB2 divides data based on ________.

  • Columns
  • Data types
  • Key values
  • Row numbers
Range partitioning in DB2 involves dividing data based on specified key values. It allows for the organization of data into logical ranges, enabling efficient querying and maintenance operations. 

Which DB2 command is used to restore a database from a backup?

  • IMPORT DATABASE
  • RECOVER DATABASE
  • RESET DATABASE
  • RESTORE DATABASE
The correct DB2 command used to restore a database from a backup is "RESTORE DATABASE." This command allows DBAs to restore a database from a previous backup, whether it's a full database backup or incremental backup. It's a critical step in the database recovery process and is essential for restoring databases in case of data loss or corruption. 

How does DB2 handle NULL values for columns defined with NOT NULL constraint?

  • It allows NULL values
  • It depends on the version of DB2
  • It rejects any attempt to insert NULL values
  • It replaces NULL with a default value
When a column is defined with a NOT NULL constraint, DB2 rejects any attempt to insert NULL values into that column. This ensures data integrity by enforcing the rule that the column must have a value for every row. 

In DB2, what does XML or JSON data represent?

  • Structured data
  • Unstructured data
  • Semi-structured data
  • Binary data
XML or JSON data in DB2 represents semi-structured data. Semi-structured data combines aspects of both structured and unstructured data, allowing for flexibility in data organization while still maintaining some level of schema or format. XML and JSON are commonly used formats for representing semi-structured data due to their flexibility and widespread adoption in modern application development. 

Point-in-time recovery in DB2 allows for recovery of data to a specific ________.

  • Timestamp
  • Table
  • Transaction
  • Checkpoint
The correct option is Option 1: Timestamp. Point-in-time recovery in DB2 enables the recovery of data to a specific timestamp, allowing users to restore the database to a particular moment in time, ensuring data consistency and integrity.