Database Reference
In-Depth Information
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Two common methods used for monitoring the database environment and
collecting statistics: (1) snapshot monitoring by taking samples of performance
indicators at defined intervals, and (2) event monitoring by capturing details
about transient events.
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Monitoring systems collect statistics on a large variety of indicators such as
table sizes, number of active database tables, execution times of different oper-
ations in transactions, storage allocations, lock processing details, database
usage by authorized users.
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In addition to monitoring and collecting statistics, also review the status of basic
components of the database system—indexes, transaction frequencies, unique-
ness constraints, and so on.
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Benchmarks quantify performance of the database environment, particularly
the DBMS. Benchmarks defined by the Transaction Processing Council are
commonly used.
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Growth in a database environment takes the form of increase in data volume,
multiplication of the number of users, enhancements to applications, and
schema revisions.
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The DBA and the project team must create and maintain a test database envi-
ronment for ongoing application development and for testing error corrections.
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On a regular basis the DBA, with the assistance of other team members, tunes
the database for efficient performance. Tuning requires usage of statistics about
the working of the various components.
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Tuning options relate to four levels of the overall environment: hardware,
operating system, DBMS, and application. Three significant areas for tuning:
indexes, queries and transactions, and the schema itself.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. “The DDLC does not terminate with the deployment of the database
system.” Explain.
2. What are the major activities of routine maintenance in a database
environment?
3. Name the three standard recovery methods. Briefly describe any one method.
4. List any six types of routine security functions.
5. What are the types of details available to the DBA to resolve deadlocks?
Generally, what actions does the DBA take?
6. What is snapshot monitoring? Briefly list the types of statistics you can gather
through snapshot monitoring.
7. What are benchmarks? How are benchmarks useful in a database
environment?
8. List any five major tasks associated with DBMS version upgrades.
9. What are the major factors for consideration while tuning the database
system for performance?
10. Name any five general guidelines for tuning indexes.
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