Database in Depth: Relational Theory for Practitioners

This book sheds light on the principles behind the relational model, which is fundamental to all database-backed applications–and, consequently, most of the work that goes on in the computing world today. Database in Depth: The Relational Model for Practitioners goes beyond the hype and gets to the heart of how relational databases actually work.Ideal for experienced database developers and designers, this concise guide gives you a clear view of the technology–a view that’s not influenced by any vendor or product. Featuring an extensive set of exercises, it will help you:

• understand why and how the relational model is still directly relevant to modern database technology (and will remain so for the foreseeable future)
• see why and how the SQL standard is seriously deficient
• use the best current theoretical knowledge in the design of their databases and database applications
• make informed decisions in their daily database professional activities

Database in Depth will appeal not only to database developers and designers, but also to a diverse field of professionals and academics, including database administrators (DBAs), information modelers, database consultants, and more. Virtually everyone who deals with relational databases should have at least a passing understanding of the fundamentals of working with relational models.Author C.J. Date has been involved with the relational model from its earliest days. An exceptionally clear-thinking writer, Date lays out principle and theory in a manner that is easily understood. Few others can speak as authoritatively the topic of relational databases as Date can.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Relations versus types
Chapter 3 Tuples and relations
Chapter 4 Relation variables
Chapter 5 Relational algebra
Chapter 6 Intergrity constraints
Chapter 7 Database design theory
Chapter 8 What is relational model?
Appendix A A little bit of logic
Appendix B Suggestions for further reading