Explain the star schema and its advantages for analytics
This tests your grasp of OLAP vs. OLTP data modeling. A great answer defines fact/dimension tables, explains how denormalization leads to fewer joins and faster queries, and contrasts this with 3NF's focus on write integrity.
This question tests your understanding of data modeling trade-offs for analytical (OLAP) vs. transactional (OLTP) workloads. A strong answer defines a star schema (central fact table, denormalized dimension tables), explains its query performance benefits (fewer joins), and contrasts this with a 3NF schema's focus on eliminating redundancy for write-heavy systems. A common red flag is confusing star and snowflake schemas or failing to explain *why* it's faster.
Read the original → Wikipedia: Star schema
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- #analytics
- #sql
- #data warehousing
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