Questions from Database Systems


Q: For correct execution of a replicated state machine, the actions must

For correct execution of a replicated state machine, the actions must be deterministic. What could happen if an action is non-deterministic?

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Q: The stepped merge variant of the LSM tree allows multiple trees per

The stepped merge variant of the LSM tree allows multiple trees per level. What are the tradeoffs in having more trees per level?

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Q: Suppose you want to use the idea of a quad tree for

Suppose you want to use the idea of a quad tree for data in three dimensions. How would the resultant data structure (called an cotter) divide up space?

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Q: Explain the distinction between closed and open hashing. Discuss the relative

Explain the distinction between closed and open hashing. Discuss the relative merits of each technique in database applications.

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Q: What are the causes of bucket overflow in a hash file organization

What are the causes of bucket overflow in a hash file organization? What can be done to reduce the occurrence of bucket overflows?

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Q: Why is a hash structure not the best choice for a search

Why is a hash structure not the best choice for a search key on which range queries are likely?

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Q: Our description of static hashing assumes that a large contiguous stretch of

Our description of static hashing assumes that a large contiguous stretch of disk blocks can be allocated to a static hash table. Suppose you can allocate only C contiguous blocks. Suggest how to impl...

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Q: Database tuning: a. What are the three broad levels

Database tuning: a. What are the three broad levels at which a database system can be tuned to improve performance? b. Give two examples of how tuning can be done for each of the levels.

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Q: When carrying out performance tuning, should you try to tune your

When carrying out performance tuning, should you try to tune your hardware (by adding disks or memory) first, or should you try to tune your transactions (by adding indices or materialized views) first....

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Q: Suppose that your application has transactions that each access and update some

Suppose that your application has transactions that each access and update some that all internal nodes of the B+-tree are in memory, but only a very small fraction of the leaf pages can fit in memory...

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