Question

In response to question 4.2 from the textbook, demonstrate your understanding of the differences in the design, applications, and usage of the relational database as compared to the use of spreadsheets.

Question 4.2 Most DBMS packages contain data definition, data manipulation, and data query languages. For each of the following, indicate which language would be used and why. A database administrator defines the logical structure of the database. The controller requests a cost accounting report containing a list of all employees being paid for more than 10 hours of overtime in a given week. A programmer develops a program to update the fixed-assets records stored in the database. The human resources manager requests a report noting all employees who are retiring within five years. The inventory serial number field is extended in the inventory records to allow for recognition of additional inventory items with serial numbers containing more than 10 digits. A user develops a program to print out all purchases made during the past two weeks. An additional field is added to the fixed-asset records to record the estimated salvage value of each asset.

Answer 1

Relational database is used in place where there is complexity in operation. When multiple user has to use the same data relational database is helpful then spreadsheet. Spreadsheet is for beginners or for small business.

Relational database is designed for large business whereas spreadsheet is designed for small business

Relational database is for data subsets and complex queries also where repetitive data sequences are used. Spreadsheet helps in data analysis and chart management and calculations. Spreadsheet when gets bigger and complex, relational database is the best option.

DBMS Package

Data defination language: data defination language (DDL) is the language that builds the data dictionary, creates the database, describes logical views, and specifies record or field security constraints.

Data manipulation language: Data manipulation language (DML) is the language that changes database content including data element creations, insertion, updation and deletion.

Data query language(DQL) : Data query language is a language that contains powerful, easy-to-use commands that enable users to retrieve, sort, order, and display data.

Language for the following option:

A database administrator defines the logical structure of the database.

Data defination language (DDL)- the data dictionary has to be build and the database has been created.

The controller requests a cost accounting report containing a list of all employees being paid for more than 10 hours of overtime in a given week.

Data query language (DQL)- here the data for employees who are paid for more than 10 hours overtime has to be retrived sort and then display.

A programmer develops a program to update the fixed-assets records stored in the database.

Data manipulation language (DML)- data of fixed asset has to be updated and stored

The human resources manager requests a report noting all employees who are retiring within five years.

Data query language (DQL)- data has to be sort for employee retiring within five years.

The inventory serial number field is extended in the inventory records to allow for recognition of additional inventory items with serial numbers containing more than 10 digits.

data manipulation language- the existing field has been modified by updating the inventory serial number field for having inventory with serial numbers more than 10 digits.

A user develops a program to print out all purchases made during the past two weeks.

Data query language- as the data of past two week has to retrieve and then display and print.

An additional field is added to the fixed-asset records to record the estimated salvage value of each asset.

Data defination language - an additional database has been created