Unit 4 of 5

Unit 4: Databases and Web Technologies

Study guide for DSST DSST Computing and Information TechnologyUnit 4: Databases and Web Technologies. Practice questions, key concepts, and exam tips.

43

Practice Questions

11

Flashcards

6

Key Topics

Key Concepts to Study

SQL
relational databases
HTML/CSS
web development
e-commerce
content management

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 5 questions from this unit. Sign up for full access to all 43.

Q1HARD

A company has two databases, one for customer information and one for order history. The customer information database is relational and uses a primary key of customer ID, while the order history database is NoSQL and uses a unique identifier for each order. The company wants to create a unified view of customer information and order history. Which of the following approaches would be most suitable for integrating these two databases?

A) Use a relational database management system to convert the NoSQL database to a relational database
B) Use a NoSQL database management system to convert the relational database to a NoSQL database
C) Use a data warehousing approach to create a separate database for reporting and analytics
D) Use a federated database approach to create a virtual database that integrates data from both databases
Show Answer

Answer: DThe correct answer is D) Use a federated database approach because it allows the company to create a unified view of customer information and order history without having to convert one database to the other's format. This approach also allows for the integration of data from multiple sources, which is useful in this scenario. The other options are incorrect because converting one database to the other's format (A and B) would be time-consuming and may result in data loss, while using a data warehousing approach (C) would not provide real-time integration of data.

Q2HARD

A company is developing a web-based application that allows users to search and purchase products online. The application will be using a relational database to store product information, customer data, and order history. To ensure data consistency and reduce data redundancy, the database designer decides to implement a normalized database schema. Which of the following is a benefit of normalizing the database schema in this scenario?

A) Improved data security through encryption
B) Increased data redundancy to improve performance
C) Elimination of data anomalies and improved data integrity
D) Reduced scalability to handle large amounts of data
Show Answer

Answer: CNormalizing a database schema helps to eliminate data anomalies, such as insertion, update, and deletion anomalies, which can lead to data inconsistencies. By normalizing the schema, the database designer can ensure that each piece of data is stored in one place and one place only, reducing data redundancy and improving data integrity. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because normalization does not directly impact data security, can actually reduce data redundancy, and does not affect scalability.

Q3HARD

A company is developing a web-based e-commerce platform that requires customer data to be shared between its database and a third-party payment gateway. To ensure secure data exchange, the company decides to implement an API. Which of the following is the primary benefit of using an API in this scenario?

A) Reduced database storage capacity
B) Improved website design and layout
C) Enhanced data security and controlled access to sensitive information
D) Increased network bandwidth and faster data transfer rates
Show Answer

Answer: CThe correct answer, C) Enhanced data security and controlled access to sensitive information, is the primary benefit of using an API in this scenario. APIs provide a secure and controlled interface for data exchange, allowing the company to protect sensitive customer information and control access to its database. Option A is incorrect because API implementation does not directly affect database storage capacity. Option B is incorrect because API is not related to website design and layout. Option D is incorrect because API implementation may not necessarily increase network bandwidth or faster data transfer rates.

Q4EASY

A company is creating a new database to store customer information. They want to ensure that each customer's data is unique and can be easily identified. Which of the following is the best way to achieve this?

A) Use a primary key with a variable length
B) Use a foreign key to link to another table
C) Use an index to improve query performance
D) Use a unique identifier such as a customer ID as the primary key
Show Answer

Answer: DThe correct answer is D because a primary key with a unique identifier such as a customer ID ensures that each customer's data is unique and can be easily identified. Option A is incorrect because a variable length primary key may not ensure uniqueness. Option B is incorrect because a foreign key is used to link to another table, not to ensure uniqueness. Option C is incorrect because an index is used to improve query performance, not to ensure uniqueness.

Q5MEDIUM

A company has an e-commerce website that uses a relational database to store customer information and order history. The company also has a separate database for inventory management. To provide real-time inventory updates on the website, the company wants to integrate the two databases. What is the primary benefit of integrating these databases?

A) Improved data consistency and reduced data redundancy
B) Increased data storage capacity
C) Enhanced website security
D) Faster website loading speed
Show Answer

Answer: AThe correct answer is A because integrating the two databases will allow the company to have a single, unified view of its data, reducing data redundancy and improving data consistency. This will also enable real-time inventory updates on the website. The other options are incorrect because increased data storage capacity (B) is not a direct benefit of database integration, enhanced website security (C) is not directly related to database integration, and faster website loading speed (D) is not a primary benefit of database integration.

Ready to master Unit 4: Databases and Web Technologies?

Get unlimited practice questions, AI tutoring, flashcards, and a personalized study plan. Start free — no credit card required.

Study Tips for Unit 4: Databases and Web Technologies

  • Focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing facts — DSST tests application
  • Practice with timed questions to build exam-day speed
  • Review explanations for wrong answers — they reveal common misconceptions
  • Use flashcards for key terms, practice questions for deeper understanding

DSST® is a trademark owned by Prometric, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this product.