Computer Science - IT MCQs
Topic Notes: Computer Science - IT
<p>MCQs and preparation resources for competitive exams, covering important concepts, past papers, and detailed explanations.</p>
Plato
- Biography: Ancient Greek philosopher (427–347 BCE), student of Socrates and teacher of Aristotle, founder of the Academy in Athens.
- Important Ideas:
- Theory of Forms
- Philosopher-King
- Ideal State
51
What term describes a collection of data stored electronically as a series of records within a table?
Answer:
database
A database is an organized collection of structured information, or data, typically stored electronically in a computer system. It uses tables to manage records efficiently.
52
Which data processing method allows for the direct location and update of a file record without needing to read any preceding records?
Answer:
random
Random access, also known as direct access, allows a computer to jump directly to a specific location in storage to read or write data. This is in contrast to sequential access, which requires reading through all preceding data.
53
Which term specifically refers to the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of data stored within a database throughout its lifecycle?
Answer:
Data integrity
Data integrity ensures that the data remains accurate, consistent, and reliable throughout its entire lifecycle. It involves maintaining the quality of data by enforcing rules and constraints, preventing unauthorized or accidental changes, and ensuring that the information stored is valid and trustworthy.
54
Which of the following items can be classified as valid entities within a database model?
Answer:
All
In database modeling, an entity represents a distinct object, person, place, or concept about which an organization chooses to collect and store data. Teachers, students, and aeroplanes are all concrete examples of entities that possess attributes and can be uniquely identified within a database system.
55
Which of the following statements accurately describes the fundamental properties of relations in a relational database?
Answer:
All of the above
A relation in a relational database must adhere to several rules: every attribute name must be unique within the relation, every row (tuple) must be unique to ensure distinct identification, and the relation must be in the first normal form, meaning it contains no multivalued attributes.
56
In the context of Data Flow Diagrams (DFD), what is the term for a destination that receives data from the system?
Answer:
sink
In a Data Flow Diagram, a 'sink' represents an external entity or destination that consumes data produced by the system. It is distinct from a 'source,' which provides data into the system, and helps map the flow of information.
57
During the preliminary design phase of a project, what does an analyst typically develop to evaluate different system options?
Answer:
candidates
In the preliminary design or systems analysis phase, an analyst identifies and evaluates various 'candidate' solutions or system alternatives. These candidates represent different approaches to solving the identified business problem, allowing stakeholders to compare feasibility, costs, and benefits before selecting the final design path to pursue for implementation.
58
In database management, what is the process of applying a mathematical formula to a specific data element to determine its storage address?
Answer:
Key
Hashing is a technique used to map a search key to a specific storage location (address) in a file or table. By applying a hash function to the key, the system can calculate the direct location of the record, allowing for rapid data retrieval without needing to search through the entire dataset.
59
What is the process of organizing information in a specific sequence based on numeric or alphabetical values called?
Answer:
Sorting
Sorting is the operation of arranging data in a particular order, such as ascending (A-Z or 0-9) or descending (Z-A or 9-0). This makes it significantly easier for users to locate specific information or identify patterns within a large dataset.
60
During the third stage of database design, developers analyze tables to establish which of the following connections between them?
Answer:
Relationship
Establishing relationships is a critical phase in database design. By defining how tables relate to one another, developers ensure data integrity and enable the database to link related information across different tables, which is essential for creating complex queries and reports in a relational database management system.