Database Systems: A Pragmatic Approach, 3rd Edition

Database Systems: A Methodical Approach, 3rd Edition provides a concise but comprehensive guide to the disciplines of database design, construction, implementation, and management. Based on the authors’ professional experience in the software engineering and IT industries before making a career switch to academia, the text stresses database design skills to properly design and develop software applications. The discipline of database systems design and management is discussed within the context of the bigger picture of software engineering. Students are led to understand from the outset of the text that a database is a critical component of a software system, and that proper database design and management is integral to the success of a software system. Additionally, students are led to appreciate the huge value of a properly designed database to the success of a business enterprise.

The text was written for three target audiences. It is suited for undergraduate students of computer science and related disciplines who are pursuing a course in database systems; graduate students who are pursuing an introductory course to database; and practicing software engineers and information technology (IT) professionals who need a quick reference on database design.

Features of the third edition include:

Short paragraphs that express the salient aspects of each subject Discussion of DBMS alternatives such as the Entity-Attributes-Value model, NoSQL databases, database-supporting frameworks, and other burgeoning database technologies Bullet points itemizing important points for easy memorization Fully revised and updated diagrams and figures to illustrate concepts to enhance the student’s understanding Real-world examples Original methodologies applicable to database design Step-by-step, student-friendly guidelines for solving generic database systems problems Opening chapter overviews and concluding chapter summaries A chapter with sample assignment questions and case studies