Distributed Databases Questions
Data fragmentation refers to the process of dividing a database into smaller fragments or subsets that are distributed across multiple nodes or locations in a distributed database system. Each fragment contains a subset of the data, and together they form the complete database. This fragmentation can be done based on various criteria such as horizontal fragmentation (dividing rows of a table), vertical fragmentation (dividing columns of a table), or hybrid fragmentation (a combination of both).
Transparency in a distributed database refers to the ability of users or applications to access and manipulate the data without being aware of the underlying distribution and fragmentation. There are different types of transparency in a distributed database, including:
1. Location transparency: Users or applications can access data without knowing the physical location of the data. The system handles the task of locating and retrieving the data from the appropriate fragment or node.
2. Fragmentation transparency: Users or applications can access and manipulate data as if it were a single logical database, regardless of the fragmentation. The system handles the task of retrieving and combining the fragmented data transparently.
3. Replication transparency: Users or applications can access and modify data without being aware of data replication. The system handles the task of synchronizing and maintaining consistency among the replicated copies transparently.
Overall, data fragmentation and transparency are important concepts in distributed databases that enable efficient data distribution and access while hiding the complexity of the distributed nature of the database system from users and applications.