What defines a temporal database?

What defines a temporal database?

• A. It cannot handle data related to time
• B. It supports handling data with respect to a timeframe
• C. It only manages historical data
• D. It combines multiple databases into one system

Answer: (B)

A temporal database is specifically designed to handle data that is related to time, which includes capturing and storing temporal information and allowing for time-based queries. This involves not just the current state of data but also how that data changes over different time periods. The key characteristic of a temporal database is its ability to support time-varying data, which means it can manage and track changes in data values over time. The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of a temporal database. One option suggests that it cannot handle data related to time, which is fundamentally incorrect as time handling is a core aspect of temporal databases. Another option implies that a temporal database only deals with historical data, which is misleading because temporal databases also manage current data and changes over time, allowing a comprehensive view that includes both historical and current states. Lastly, the choice that states a temporal database combines multiple databases into one system misrepresents its purpose, as the focus is on implementing time-related capabilities rather than on integrating different database systems. Thus, the definition highlighting the support for managing data with respect to time is what accurately represents the function and purpose of a temporal database.

A temporal database is specifically designed to handle data that is related to time, which includes capturing and storing temporal information and allowing for time-based queries. This involves not just the current state of data but also how that data changes over different time periods. The key characteristic of a temporal database is its ability to support time-varying data, which means it can manage and track changes in data values over time.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of a temporal database. One option suggests that it cannot handle data related to time, which is fundamentally incorrect as time handling is a core aspect of temporal databases. Another option implies that a temporal database only deals with historical data, which is misleading because temporal databases also manage current data and changes over time, allowing a comprehensive view that includes both historical and current states. Lastly, the choice that states a temporal database combines multiple databases into one system misrepresents its purpose, as the focus is on implementing time-related capabilities rather than on integrating different database systems.

Thus, the definition highlighting the support for managing data with respect to time is what accurately represents the function and purpose of a temporal database.