Homework Help: Questions and Answers: What is an advantage of using a relational database instead of a flat file to store organize and analyze data?
A. It is easier to create duplicate data in a relational database.
B. It is easier to search for data in a relational database.
C. It is easier to minimize duplicate data in a relational database.
D. It is easier to use relational databases without prior knowledge.
Answer
First, let’s understand the question: We need to identify key advantages of relational databases- Relational databases vs. Flat files
Given Options: Step by Step Answering
a) It is easier to create duplicate data in a relational database
- One of the main features of relational databases is the ability to minimize duplicate data through normalization (storing data in related tables). Therefore, this statement is false. A relational database does not make it easier to create duplicate data; in fact, it helps prevent duplication.
b) It is easier to search for data in a relational database
- This is true. Relational databases are structured with indexing and relationships (such as primary and foreign keys), which make searching for data more efficient compared to flat files. Flat files require scanning the entire file, which is slower.
c) It is easier to minimize duplicate data in a relational database
- One of the key advantages of relational databases is data normalization. Through normalization, duplicate data can be minimized by breaking the data into smaller tables and using relationships (keys) to link them.
- This is true but this isn’t the primary advantage being asked about.
d) It is easier to use relational databases without prior knowledge.
- Relational databases require a certain level of understanding, such as how tables, queries, and relationships work. Without prior knowledge, using a relational database might not be intuitive, especially compared to a simple flat file.
- This is incorrect. Relational databases are not easier to use without prior knowledge.
Final Answer:
Based on the above analysis, the correct answer is:
b) It is easier to search for data in a relational database
This is correct because:
- Relational databases offer powerful search capabilities through SQL
- They allow complex queries across multiple tables
- Indexed searching makes data retrieval much faster than flat files
- Flat files require sequential scanning for searches, which is inefficient
- The ability to efficiently search and retrieve data is one of the primary advantages of relational databases over flat files
Learn More: Homework Help
Q. Which of the following would NOT be considered an accurate characteristic of high-quality data?
Q. How are dates from January 1, 1900, through December 31, 9999, stored?
Q. Which of the following Big O notations is appropriate for the complexity of a search algorithm?
Q. Which of the following Big O notations is appropriate for the complexity of a sort algorithm?