Database Design
15 questions — answer mentally, then read the explanations
What you'll learn
- Try to answer each question before reading the explanation
- Cover Database Design topics in system design
Questions
Read each question and options, then check the explanation below.
Which denormalization technique involves duplicating entire tables?
- A. Horizontal Denormalization
- B. Vertical Denormalization
- C. Temporal Denormalization
- D. Full Denormalization
Explanation
Answer: Full Denormalization Full denormalization involves duplicating entire tables to simplify queries and enhance read performance. This approach is commonly used in data warehousing scenarios.
In a data warehousing scenario, which approach is commonly used: normalization or denormalization?
- A. Normalization
- B. Denormalization
- C. Hybrid Approach
- D. It depends on the specific requirements
Explanation
Answer: Denormalization In data warehousing scenarios, denormalization is commonly used to improve query performance, as analytical queries often involve complex joins and aggregations on large datasets.
_________ is a process used to organize a database into tables and columns to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity.
- A. Normalization
- B. Denormalization
- C. Indexing
- D. Aggregation
Explanation
Answer: Normalization Normalization is the process of organizing a database to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity. It involves breaking down a large table into smaller ones and defining relationships between them.
In the context of database normalization, the process of breaking down a large table into smaller ones to reduce data redundancy is called _________.
- A. Decomposition
- B. Aggregation
- C. Fragmentation
- D. Factoring
Explanation
Answer: Decomposition Decomposition is the process in database normalization where a large table is broken down into smaller ones to reduce data redundancy and improve overall data organization.
One potential disadvantage of _________ is that it can lead to increased join operations, impacting query performance.
- A. Denormalization
- B. Normalization
- C. Indexing
- D. Partitioning
Explanation
Answer: Normalization Normalization, while beneficial for reducing redundancy, may lead to increased join operations in queries, impacting performance. It's a trade-off between data integrity and query efficiency.
_________ is the process of intentionally introducing redundancy into a database for performance optimization.
- A. Sharding
- B. Caching
- C. Denormalization
- D. Partitioning
Explanation
Answer: Denormalization Denormalization is the process of intentionally introducing redundancy into a database for performance optimization. It involves simplifying query execution by storing precomputed results or aggregations.
One common denormalization technique is to use _________, which involves storing precomputed results of expensive queries.
- A. Materialized Views
- B. Indexing
- C. Normalization
- D. Joins
Explanation
Answer: Materialized Views Materialized Views is a common denormalization technique that involves storing precomputed results of expensive queries. This helps in improving query performance at the cost of redundancy.
In scenarios where read operations significantly outnumber write operations, _________ can be a suitable approach to optimize database performance.
- A. Sharding
- B. Horizontal Scaling
- C. Caching
- D. Replication
Explanation
Answer: Caching Caching can be a suitable approach to optimize database performance when read operations significantly outnumber write operations. It involves storing frequently accessed data in memory for quicker retrieval.
In a high-performance e-commerce platform where product information is frequently queried, which approach would be most appropriate: normalization or denormalization?
- A. Normalization
- B. Denormalization
- C. Both normalization and denormalization
- D. Neither normalization nor denormalization
Explanation
Answer: Denormalization In this scenario, denormalization would be more appropriate. It helps reduce the number of joins and speeds up read-intensive operations, making queries for product information more efficient.
A data analytics company is dealing with vast amounts of historical data for reporting purposes. Would they benefit more from a normalized or denormalized database schema?
- A. Normalization
- B. Denormalization
- C. Both normalization and denormalization
- D. Neither normalization nor denormalization
Explanation
Answer: Normalization For a data analytics company dealing with extensive historical data, normalization is more suitable. It ensures data integrity, reduces redundancy, and facilitates efficient querying for reporting purposes.
A social media platform experiences heavy write traffic due to user interactions. How would you design the database schema to ensure both write efficiency and query performance?
- A. Normalize the schema
- B. Denormalize the schema
- C. Use a hybrid approach
- D. Sharding the database
Explanation
Answer: Use a hybrid approach A hybrid approach would be beneficial in this scenario. It involves a balance between normalization and denormalization, optimizing for both write efficiency and query performance in a social media platform with heavy write traffic.
What is Monolithic Architecture?
- A. A design approach where an application is built as a single, indivisible unit
- B. A design approach that promotes the use of multiple independent microservices
- C. A design approach focusing on distributed data storage
- D. A design approach emphasizing decentralized control
Explanation
Answer: A design approach where an application is built as a single, indivisible unit Monolithic Architecture is a design approach where an application is built as a single, indivisible unit. It often includes the entire application logic, user interface, and data access within a single codebase.
Which of the following is a characteristic of Monolithic Architecture?
- A. Tight coupling between components
- B. Loose coupling between microservices
- C. Distributed data storage
- D. Decentralized control
Explanation
Answer: Tight coupling between components A characteristic of Monolithic Architecture is tight coupling between components. In this design, components are interconnected and dependent on each other, making it challenging to modify or scale individual parts independently.
In Monolithic Architecture, how are components typically deployed?
- A. All components are deployed separately
- B. Components are deployed as independent microservices
- C. All components are deployed together as a single unit
- D. Components are deployed in a distributed manner
Explanation
Answer: All components are deployed together as a single unit In Monolithic Architecture, components are typically deployed together as a single unit. The entire application, including all its components, is deployed as a monolith, making it easier to manage but potentially limiting scalability and flexibility.
What are the potential challenges of Monolithic Architecture?
- A. Tight coupling of components
- B. Ease of scalability
- C. Efficient resource utilization
- D. Improved fault isolation
Explanation
Answer: Tight coupling of components Monolithic Architecture is characterized by tight coupling of components, which can result in challenges such as difficulties in maintenance and scaling.
Today's exercise: Review & recall
Revisit any questions you hesitated on. Write one-line answers in your own words.
Steps
- 1
First pass
Read each question and pick an answer without looking at the explanation.
- 2
Second pass
Expand explanations only for questions you missed or were unsure about.
- 3
Notes
Jot down 3 terms or patterns you want to remember from this batch.
