In the context of relational database applications, which of the following describes a genuine advantage of using stored procedures on the database server?

Introduction / Context:
This question explores the role and benefits of stored procedures in relational database systems. A stored procedure is a compiled block of SQL and procedural logic that resides on the database server and can be executed by client applications. One of the key advantages of stored procedures is that they centralize business rules and validation logic in one place, improving consistency and data integrity across many applications that share the same database.

Given Data / Assumptions:

Stored procedures run on the database server and encapsulate SQL operations and validation rules.
Multiple client applications may access the same database and therefore the same stored procedures.
We are asked to identify an advantage of stored procedures, not a drawback.
Network traffic and client thickness are important considerations in multi tier architectures.
The database management system is capable of enforcing business rules when they are coded in stored procedures.

Concept / Approach:
Placing business rules and data validation logic in stored procedures has several benefits. Because the logic resides on the server, multiple clients written in various languages can call the same procedure and rely on consistent behavior. This approach reduces duplication of logic in each client and lowers the risk of inconsistent checks. It also allows the database to enforce integrity rules close to the data, which is often more secure and reliable. In addition, stored procedures can reduce network traffic by performing complex operations on the server and returning only the necessary results to clients.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that an advantage of stored procedures is centralized validation and business rule enforcement on the server.Step 2: Look for the option that explicitly mentions improved data integrity due to shared use of stored procedures by multiple applications.Step 3: Evaluate the alternatives and note that some mention increased network traffic or thicker clients, which conflict with common benefits of stored procedures.Step 4: Recognize that declaring stored procedures always harder to write without reuse is not accurate and does not describe an advantage.Step 5: Select the option that aligns with the well known benefit of improved data integrity and consistent logic.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider an organization with several front end applications, such as a desktop application, a web portal, and a batch import tool, all updating the same customer table. If each application implements its own data validation rules, inconsistency is likely over time. If instead all updates go through a shared stored procedure that validates inputs and enforces business rules, the organization gains a single point of control. This scenario clearly demonstrates improved data integrity through the use of stored procedures, confirming that the selected option is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The claim that stored procedures always take longer to write and offer no reuse is misleading, because they are often reused by many clients and reduce overall development effort. The statement about significantly increasing network traffic is incorrect, since stored procedures typically reduce traffic by executing logic on the server. The option that says they result in thicker clients and a thinner server is the opposite of typical practice, where stored procedures support thinner clients and a more capable server. Saying that they make it impossible to enforce business rules in the DBMS is completely false, because enforcing rules is one of their core uses.

Common Pitfalls:
A common misunderstanding is to assume that pushing logic to the server always harms performance or flexibility. In reality, centralized logic often simplifies maintenance, enhances integrity, and allows the database to optimize execution. Another pitfall is underestimating the importance of consistent rules across multiple clients, which is easier to achieve with stored procedures. Developers should remember that stored procedures are especially valuable in multi tier systems where many different front ends interact with the same data.

Final Answer:
The genuine advantage of stored procedures is that they improve data integrity because multiple applications can call the same validated stored procedure logic on the server.