Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
reauthentication
A process that allows a database driver to switch the user associated with a connection to
another user. Reauthentication can be used to minimize the number of connections
required in a connection pool. Different databases refer to this functionality using differ-
ent terminology. For example, Oracle refers to it as proxy authentication and Microsoft
SQL Server refers to as impersonation.
response time
The elapsed time between a data request and when the data is returned. From users'
points of view, it is the time between when they ask for data and when they receive it.
rollback
An operation that returns the database to a previous state. The transaction can be rolled
back completely, canceling a pending transaction, or to a specified point. Rollbacks allow
the database to be restored to a valid state if invalid operations are performed or after the
database server fails.
S
scalability
The ability of an application to maintain acceptable response time and throughput when
the number of simultaneous users increases.
scrollable cursor
A type of cursor that database drivers use to allow the driver to go both forward and
backward through rows in a result set.
See also
insensitive cursor and sensitive cursor.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
An industry-standard protocol for sending encrypted data over database connections.
SSL secures the integrity of your data by encrypting information and providing
client/server authentication.
sensitive cursor
A type of scrollable cursor that picks up any data modifications that could impact the
result set of the cursor.
service
In a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) environment, a loosely coupled software com-
ponent designed to perform a unit of work on behalf of an application or another ser-
vice. Services are designed modularly based on business logic, and built-in knowledge of
other services is minimized so that changes to one service don't ripple to others.
