Database Systems: A Pragmatic Approach

by Elvis C. Foster, Shripad V. Godbole

This text provides a comprehensive, yet concise introduction to database systems. It discusses the database as an essential component of a software system, as well as a valuable, mission critical corporate resource. The book is based on lecture notes that have been tested and proven over several years, with outstanding results. It also exemplifies mastery of the technique of combining and balancing theory with practice, to give students their best chances at success.The book discusses concepts, principles, design, implementation, and management issues of databases. Each chapter is organized systematically into brief, reader-friendly sections, with itemization of the important points to be remembered. It adopts a methodical and pragmatic approach to solving database systems problems. Diagrams and illustrations also sum up the salient points to enhance learning. Additionally, the book includes a number of Foster s original methodologies that add clarity and creativity to the database modeling and design experience, while making a novel contribution to the discipline.Upholding his aim for brevity, comprehensive coverage, and relevance, Foster s practical and methodical discussion style gets straight to the salient issues, and avoids unnecessary fluff as well as an overkill of theoretical calculations. Readers should find this approach useful in their respective needs. Brief Division Preliminary Topics 1. Introduction to Database Systems 2. The Database System EnvironmentDivision 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. Relational System a Closer LookDivision Structured Query Language (SQL) 10. Overview of SQL 11. SQL Definition Statements 12. SQL Data Manipulation Statements 13. Logical Views and Security 14. The System Catalog 15. Some Limitations of SQLDivision Some Commonly Used DBMS Suites 16. Overview of Oracle 17. Overview of DB2 18. Overview of Microsoft SQL Server 19. Overview of Gupta Team Developer and MySQL 20. Overview of Borland DelphiDivision Advanced Topics 21. Database Administration 22. Distributed Database Systems 23. Object Databases 24. Data Warehousing and Information Extraction 25. Web-Accessible DatabasesDivision Final Preparations 26. Sample Exercises and Examination QuestionsDivision Appendices Review of Trees Review of Hashing Review of Information Gathering Techniques"

674 pages, Hardcover

First published July 16, 2010