Within a client/server database architecture, is the database server responsible for storage allocation, access (concurrency/locking), and query processing?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Applies — the server manages storage, access, and processing

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Database servers centralize critical data services. They own persistent storage, enforce transactional integrity, coordinate concurrency control, and execute query plans. Clients submit requests; the server performs the heavy lifting to ensure correctness and performance.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • DB server hosts data files, logs, and system catalogs.
  • Server engines implement locking, latching, MVCC, or equivalent.
  • Server compiles and executes SQL, optimizing access paths.


Concept / Approach:
This centralization enables consistent backups, security policies, and performance tuning. Clients focus on presentation and some application logic; the DB server ensures reliable data management and scalable query execution.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Client sends a query/transaction request.Server parses and optimizes the request to a plan.Server accesses storage via buffer/cache managers and executes operators.Server enforces isolation/consistency and writes to logs/data files.Server returns results to the client.



Verification / Alternative check:
Monitoring tools on the DB server display I/O, buffer usage, lock waits, and CPU used by query execution — evidence that storage, access, and processing occur on the server.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Options b–e incorrectly push server responsibilities to clients; while client-side logic exists, data storage and core processing remain server duties in typical architectures.



Common Pitfalls:
Overburdening the server with avoidable computations; under-sizing buffer pools; poor index design causing excessive I/O.



Final Answer:
Applies — the server manages storage, access, and processing

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