Database Systems

Learn the concepts, principles, design, implementation, and management issues of databases. You will adopt a methodical and pragmatic approach to solving database systems problems. 

Database Systems: A Pragmatic Approach provides a comprehensive, yet concise introduction to database systems, with special emphasis on the relational database model. This book discusses the database as an essential component of a software system, as well as a valuable, mission-critical corporate resource. New in this second edition is updated SQL content covering the latest release of the Oracle Database Management System along with a reorganized sequence of the topics which is more useful for learning. Also included are revised and additional illustrations, as well as a new chapter on using relational databases to anchor large, complex management support systems. There is also added reference content in the appendixes.

This book is based on lecture notesthat have been tested and proven over several years, with outstanding results. It combines a balance of theory with practice, to give you your best chance at success. Each chapter is organized systematically into brief sections, with itemization of the important points to be remembered. Additionally, the book includes a number of author Elvis Foster's original methodologies that add clarity and creativity to the database modeling and design experience.

What You'll Learn

• Understand the relational model and the advantages it brings to software systems
• Design database schemas with integrity rules that ensure correctness of corporate data
• Query data using SQL in order to generate reports, charts, graphs, and other business results
• Understand what it means to be a database administrator, and why the profession is highly paid
• Build and manage web-accessible databases in support of applications delivered via a browser
• Become familiar with the common database brands, their similarities and differences
• Explore special topics such as tree-based data, hashing for fast access, distributed and object databases, and more

Who This Book Is For

Students who are studying database technology, who aspire to a career as a database administrator or designer, and practicing database administrators and developers desiring to strengthen their knowledge of database theory

Elvis C. Foster is Associate Professor of Computer Science at Keene State College, New Hampshire. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BS.) in Computer Science and Electronics, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science (specializing in strategic information systems and database systems) from University of the West Indies, Mona Jamaica. Dr. Foster has over 22 years of combined experience as a software engineer, information technology executive and consultant, and computer science educator. Shripad V. Godbole is an independent database administrator/consultant with over 20 years of experience in diverse business environments, information infrastructure planning, diagnostics, and administration. His qualifications include Bachelor of Science (BS) in Physics, Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS), Master of Science (MS) in Physics with specialization in Electronics, all from Poona University in Pune, India. He is also an Oracle Certified Professional Database Administrator (OCPDBA), and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Technology Management from University of Phoenix.

Part A: Preliminary Topics.-1. Introduction to Database Systems.-2. The Database System Environment.-.-Part B: The Relational Database Model.-3. The Relational Model.-4. Integrity Rules and Normalization.-5. Database Modeling and Design.-6. Database User Interface Design.-7. Relational Algebra.-8. Relational Calculus.-9. Reflective Look at the Relational Systems.-.-Part C: The Structured Query Language.-10. Overview of SQL.-11. SQL Data Definition Statements.-12. SQL Data Manipulation Statements.-13. Logical Views and System Security.-14. The System Catalog.-15. Some Limitations of SQL.-.-Part D: Advanced Topics.-16. Database Administration.-17. Distributed Database Systems.-18. Object Databases.-19. Data Warehousing.-20. Web-Accessible Databases.-21. Using Database Systems to Anchor Management Support Systems.-.-Part E: Overview of Selected DBMS Suites.-22. Overview of Oracle.-23. Overview of DB2.-24. Overview of MySQL.-25. Overview of Microsoft SQL Server.-.-Part F: Appendices.-26. Appendix 1: Review of Trees.-27. Appendix 2: Review of Hashing.-28. Appendix 3: Review of Information Gathering Techniques.-29. Appendix 4: BNF Syntax for Selected SQL Statements.-30. Appendix 5: Sample Exercises and Examination Questions.