Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: read-only
Explanation:
Introduction:
Normalization is invaluable for transactional systems where data changes frequently. In read-only or reporting databases, however, denormalized structures often serve analytics better. This question asks you to identify where normalization is not typically advantageous.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Normalization reduces redundancy at the cost of more joins. For read-only analytic workloads, denormalized or dimensional models (star/snowflake) minimize joins and ease reporting. Thus, full normalization delivers less benefit in read-only contexts than in OLTP scenarios, where anomalies must be strictly controlled.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify workload: read-mostly analytics versus update-heavy OLTP.2) Map modeling goals: analytics favor simpler queries and fewer joins.3) Conclude that normalization is not often an advantage for read-only databases.
Verification / Alternative check:
Data warehouses routinely adopt dimensional models to accelerate aggregations and improve usability, corroborating the limited value of strict normalization in read-only settings.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Assuming one model fits all workloads. Align normalization level with workload characteristics.
Final Answer:
read-only
Discussion & Comments