What is a derived attribute, and explain why it might not be prudent to save derived attributesin a database?
Question
What is a derived attribute, and explain why it might not be prudent to save derived attributes in a database?
Solution
A derived attribute in a database is an attribute that doesn't exist in the physical database, but is derived from other attributes present in the database. It is a result of a calculation or an expression. For example, an attribute like "Age" can be derived from the "Date of Birth" attribute.
Storing derived attributes in a database might not be prudent due to several reasons:
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Redundancy: Since derived attributes can be calculated from other attributes, storing them would create unnecessary redundancy in the database.
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Storage Space: Derived attributes can take up additional storage space in the database. This can be a concern if the database is large and storage space is at a premium.
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Data Inconsistency: If the base attributes from which the derived attribute is calculated are updated, the derived attribute may become inconsistent if it is not updated accordingly.
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Performance: Calculating and updating derived attributes can impact the performance of the database, especially if the calculations are complex or if the database is large.
Therefore, it is generally more efficient to calculate derived attributes when needed, rather than storing them in the database.
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