Final answer:
A statement in a database should leave the database intact whether it executes without error or if it fails. This is due to the ACID properties of database systems, which ensure reliability and prevent corruption.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a statement in a database completes execution without error, it should leave the database intact. Conversely, if the statement fails to execute properly, it aims to leave the database intact as well. This concept is tied to the ACID properties of database systems, which ensure that transactions are processed reliably. The ACID properties include Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability. Atomicity guarantees that each transaction is treated as a single unit, which either completes entirely or is rolled back completely, thereby leaving the database intact and not corrupted. Consistency ensures that a transaction can only bring the database from one valid state to another, maintaining database integrity. Isolation ensures that concurrent execution of transactions leaves the database in the same state that would have been obtained if the transactions were executed sequentially. Lastly, Durability ensures that once a transaction has been committed, it remains so, even in the event of power loss, crashes, or errors.