As data systems grow, organisations often use different databases for different purposes. In IB Computer Science, students are expected to understand the difference between operational databases and data warehouses, and why using one system for everything is inefficient.
IB examiners focus on purpose and usage, not technical implementation details.
What Is an Operational Database?
An operational database is designed to support day-to-day operations.
It is used to:
- Process transactions
- Store current data
- Support real-time systems
Examples include:
- Student enrolment systems
- Online shopping carts
- Banking transaction systems
Operational databases prioritise:
- Speed
- Accuracy
- Reliability
- Concurrent access
They are updated constantly as new data is created.
Key Characteristics of Operational Databases
Operational databases:
- Store current, up-to-date data
- Handle frequent INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE operations
- Support many users at the same time
- Use transactions to ensure ACID properties
In IB terms, operational databases support OLTP (Online Transaction Processing), though students do not need to memorise the acronym.
What Is a Data Warehouse?
A data warehouse is designed for analysis and reporting, not daily operations.
It is used to:
- Store large volumes of historical data
- Support trend analysis
- Generate reports and insights
Data warehouses often combine data from:
- Multiple operational databases
- Different systems
- Different time periods
They prioritise analysis over speed of updates.
Key Characteristics of Data Warehouses
Data warehouses:
- Store historical data
- Are updated periodically, not constantly
- Are optimised for complex queries
- Support aggregate analysis
In IB terms, data warehouses support decision-making, not transactions.
The Core Difference in Purpose
A strong IB exam distinction is:
- Operational databases answer: “What is happening now?”
- Data warehouses answer: “What has happened over time?”
This difference in purpose explains all other design choices.
Why Organisations Use Both
Using one database for everything causes problems.
If analysis runs on operational databases:
- Systems may slow down
- Transactions may be delayed
If operational tasks run on data warehouses:
- Data becomes outdated
- Systems become inefficient
By separating systems:
- Operational databases remain fast
- Data warehouses handle heavy analysis
This improves overall system performance.
Data Consistency and Accuracy
Data warehouses often:
- Receive cleaned and validated data
- Combine data into consistent formats
This improves:
- Reporting accuracy
- Long-term analysis
Operational databases focus on correctness at the moment of entry, not long-term trends.
How This Appears in IB Exams
IB questions may ask students to:
- Compare data warehouses and operational databases
- Identify which system suits a scenario
- Justify separation of systems
- Explain trade-offs
Purpose-based explanations score highest.
Common Student Mistakes
Students often:
- Say data warehouses replace operational databases
- Ignore historical data
- Focus only on size, not purpose
- Give vague comparisons
Clear contrasts are essential.
Final Thoughts
Operational databases and data warehouses serve very different roles. Operational databases support real-time, day-to-day activities, while data warehouses support long-term analysis and decision-making.
Understanding why organisations separate these systems allows IB Computer Science students to explain real-world data architecture clearly and confidently — exactly what examiners expect.
