Primary purpose of a database: is it to “make people stop using spreadsheets,” or is it to securely store, manage, share, and analyze data with integrity and concurrency controls?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Incorrect

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Databases exist to store and manage data reliably, enforce integrity, support concurrent access, secure information, and provide powerful querying/reporting. While databases can reduce inappropriate spreadsheet use, eliminating spreadsheets is not their purpose.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • DBMS features: ACID transactions, constraints, security, backup and recovery.
  • Spreadsheets remain useful for modeling, quick analysis, and presentation.
  • The statement claims the purpose is to stop spreadsheet usage.


Concept / Approach:
Clarify goals: databases centralize and govern data; spreadsheets are personal productivity tools. Databases improve data quality and enable multi-user collaboration at scale, while spreadsheets complement databases for ad hoc analysis and visualization.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify actual database purposes: persistence, integrity, concurrency, security. Contrast with spreadsheet capabilities and limitations. Conclude the statement misstates the database mission.


Verification / Alternative check:
Enterprise data strategies show databases powering applications and analytics; spreadsheets often consume database exports for analysis, not the other way around.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Correct” narrows the mission to a tool-replacement agenda. Scope- or environment-limited options do not reflect the general purpose of databases.


Common Pitfalls:
Viewing databases and spreadsheets as mutually exclusive; in practice they often coexist.


Final Answer:
Incorrect

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