Question 1 a) What is Database Management Systems? Discuss briefly the difference in file system approach and Database Management Systems approach. (5 marks) b) With the aid of a Neat diagram, briefly explain the components of Database management systems. (5 marks) c) What is query processing? Discuss the steps involved in query processing. marks) Question 2 a) With a Neat diagram, explain the various database architectures (6 marks) b) Using examples, Define transaction and discuss its properties. (5 marks) c) Explain the various types of access methods in Database Management systems. (5 marks)

Question 1:<br /><br />a) Database Management Systems (DBMS) is software that allows users to define, create, maintain and control access to the database. It provides an interface between the user and the data, allowing users to manipulate and retrieve data in a structured manner. The main difference between the file system approach and the DBMS approach is that in a file system, data is stored in individual files, whereas in a DBMS, data is stored in tables, which are organized in a structured manner.<br /><br />b) The components of a Database Management System are:<br /><br />1. Data: The collection of facts and figures that are organized and stored in the database.<br />2. Database Engine: Responsible for storing, retrieving, and manipulating data.<br />3. Query Processor: Responsible for processing queries and returning the results to the user.<br />4. Transaction Manager: Ensures that database transactions are processed reliably.<br />5. Storage Manager: Manages the storage of data on disk.<br /><br />c) Query processing is the process of analyzing and executing a query submitted by a user. The steps involved in query processing are:<br /><br />1. Parsing: The query is broken down into its individual components and checked for syntax errors.<br />2. Optimization: The query is analyzed to determine the most efficient way to execute it.<br />3. Execution: The query is executed by the query processor, which retrieves the data from the database and returns the results to the user.<br /><br />Question 2:<br /><br />a) The various database architectures are:<br /><br />1. Centralized Architecture: All data and processing are stored and performed on a single computer.<br />2. Distributed Architecture: Data and processing are spread across multiple computers, which are connected through a network.<br />3. Client-Server Architecture: A server provides services to multiple clients, which are connected through a network.<br />4. Multi-database Architecture: Multiple databases are integrated and accessed through a common interface.<br /><br />b) A transaction is a logical unit of work that is executed as a single, all-or-nothing unit of work. The properties of a transaction are:<br /><br />1. Atomicity: A transaction is treated as a single, indivisible unit of work.<br />2. Consistency: A transaction must leave the database in a consistent state.<br />3. Isolation: A transaction must be isolated from other transactions.<br />4. Durability: A transaction must be permanent and not affected by crashes or errors.<br /><br />c) The various types of access methods in Database Management systems are:<br /><br />1. Sequential Access: Data is accessed in a sequential manner, from the beginning to the end of the file.<br />2. Direct Access: Data can be accessed directly, without having to search through the file.<br />3. Index Sequential Access: A combination of sequential and direct access, where data is accessed through an index.<br />4. Tree Access: Data is organized in a tree-like structure, and accessed by navigating through the tree.