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

Database The Client-Server Database Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    Applies — the server manages storage, access, and processing
  • B
    Does not apply — clients manage storage and processing
  • C
    Only access control is server-side; storage is client-side
  • D
    Only storage is server-side; processing is client-side
  • E
    Only query parsing is server-side; everything else is client-side

Answer

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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