The school stores all the information of the learners in a database with multiple tables - NSC Information Technology - Question 4 - 2023 - Paper 2
Question 4
The school stores all the information of the learners in a database with multiple tables.
Data was obtained from printed class lists provided by the register class t... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The school stores all the information of the learners in a database with multiple tables - NSC Information Technology - Question 4 - 2023 - Paper 2
Step 1
4.1.1 State the purpose of a primary key in a table.
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Answer
The primary key is a unique identifier for each record in a table. It ensures that each entry can be distinguished from all others, preventing duplicate records and maintaining data integrity.
Step 2
4.1.2 State a requirement of a primary key, except having duplicate values.
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A requirement of a primary key is that it cannot contain null values. Each record must have a valid, non-null value for the primary key.
Step 3
4.1.3 The structure of the table above will result in anomalies.
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(a) The design error in this table might lead to an anomaly due to the duplication of data in the Teacher field. Since the same teacher can appear in multiple records, if the teacher information is changed, it must be updated in every instance, potentially leading to inconsistencies.
(b) To resolve this design error, a separate table should be created for the Teacher and RegisterClass entities. The tblLearners table will then reference these separate tables using foreign keys. This separation reduces redundancy and enhances data integrity, as teacher details only need to be updated in one place.
Step 4
4.2 Compare the concepts of verification and validation.
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Validation ensures that the data entered is acceptable and conforms to predefined formats, types, and ranges. Verification, on the other hand, involves checking the accuracy and correctness of data against an original source. While validation confirms data correctness according to set rules, it does not ensure that the data is correct; hence, verification remains necessary.
Step 5
4.3.1 What programming language is mostly used to extract data from a database?
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The programming language primarily used to extract data from databases is SQL (Structured Query Language).
Step 6
4.3.2 Identify a typical scenario when a server-based database would be required.
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A typical scenario where a server-based database would be required is in a school environment where multiple teachers need to access student records simultaneously from different locations. A server-based database allows concurrent access and ensures that all users can retrieve and update data without conflict, providing a centralized database management solution.
Step 7
4.4.1 How does the creation of an audit trail enhance data security in the school database?
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An audit trail enhances data security by tracking all changes made to the database, including what changes were made, when, and by whom. This record helps identify unauthorized access and changes, allowing for accountability and better monitoring of data integrity.
Step 8
4.4.2 Suggest an alternative method to enhance the security of the school's database.
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One alternative method to enhance database security is access control. This system manages permissions and access levels for users, ensuring only authorized personnel can view or modify sensitive data. Additionally, implementing biometric security measures or password protections can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized data access, while regular backups protect against data loss.