Forward-only navigation Which cursor type allows the application to move only in the forward direction through the recordset (no backward scrolling)?

Introduction / Context:
Cursors define both visibility and navigation. Some applications need the simplest, most efficient traversal: move to the next row only, without random access or backward movement.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Requirement: iterate forward sequentially through a result set.
• No need to scroll backward or jump to arbitrary positions.

Concept / Approach:

A forward-only cursor provides minimal navigation capability—FETCH NEXT repeatedly. Because it avoids maintaining bidirectional state, it can be lighter-weight and faster, especially for streaming large results.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Database documentation consistently defines forward-only as a navigation limitation: you can only fetch the next row each time. This fits ETL and stream processing scenarios well.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Static cursor: snapshot property, not inherently forward-only.
• Keyset cursor: membership/visibility semantics, not navigation-only.
• Dynamic cursor: live visibility, not a navigation constraint.
• Bidirectional cursor: allows backward movement, contrary to the requirement.

Common Pitfalls:

• Assuming forward-only implies static visibility; engines may still vary on visibility.
• Choosing bidirectional cursors unnecessarily, increasing overhead.

Final Answer:

Forward-only cursor.