CS 34800: Information Systems

Assignment 1: Database Concepts, Basic SQL

Due 11:59pmEDT Friday, 2 September 2016

  1. Database Properties. Database systems typically offer physical data independence. Briefly explain (e.g, a paragraph) the concept of physical data independence. Give an example that helps explain this concept.
  2. Database System vs. File Processing.
    1. Give an example of an information system where you should use a database rather than a file system to store the data. Give one reason why you should use a database for that example.
    2. Give a different example of an information system where you should use a database rather than a file system to store the data, with a different reason why.
    3. Give an example of an information system where you believe a file system would be a better choice than a database, and explain why.
  3. Data Model. What are the main objectives of a data model? Describe how the relational model represents data.
  4. SQL Given the following relational table EVENTS:
    TitleDateTimeLocation
    Bloomberg DayAug 3010:00amLWSN Commons
    Purdue Student Board (PSUB) NightAug 268:00pmPMU Front Lawn
    Mosey Down Main StreetSep 36:00pmMain Street, Lafayette
    Black Lives Matter Panel DiscussionSep 136:30pmSTEW Fowler Hall
    CERIAS New Student WelcomeAug 306:00pmLWSN 1142
    B-Involved FairAug 273:00pmMemorial Mall Square
    Lafayette Photo Adventure TripAug 266:00pmSchlemann Hall
    Global FestSep 1311:00amMorton Center
    Microsoft DayAug 3110:00amLWSN Commons

    show the results of the following SQL queries:
    1. select distinct Date FROM EVENTS;
    2. select Location, Date, Time FROM EVENTS WHERE Title LIKE 'Microsoft%';
    3. select * from EVENTS WHERE Title LIKE 'CERIAS%' AND Location LIKE 'REC%';
  5. Given the table from the preceding question, write SQL queries to:
    1. Get the date, time, and location of the Black Lives Matter Panel Discussion.
    2. Find events in the Lawson building.
    3. Find something to do after 5pm on Aug 26.
  6. Levels of Abstraction. Briefly describe the three levels of abstraction. At what level would you consider the Events table from Question 4? Explain why.

Turning the assigment in

Please turn the assignment by uploading a PDF in Blackboard (click on Assignment 1 and Attach File. We prefer a typed/typeset answer. If you (clearly and readably) handwrite your answers, then turn in a (clear, readable) scan as a PDF. If you don't know of a way to generate a PDF, bring it up in PSO.

Valid XHTML 1.1