Understanding Relational Database Query Languages 1st Edition  (English, Paperback, Dietrich Suzanne W)

For use as a dynamic supplementary text in introductory Database Systems courses in Computer Science programs. This book can be used to supplement any main text for the introductory database systems course.

This invaluable learning tool provides an understanding of the industry-standard query language SQL. Using an appropriate mix of underlying mathematical formalism and hands-on activities with numerous examples, the text is designed to help students grasp the essential concepts of relational database query languages.

Salient Features

• Extensive examples.
• Provide students with hands-on applications and practice of concepts.
• Case studies.
• Enable students to examine realistic examples from requirements description, to conceptual design and implementation. Shows students side-by-side comparison of the four query languages.
• Win RDBI software-Available on the author's website. Allows students to interactively experiment with Relational Algebra, Domain Relational Calculus, Tuple Relational Calculus, and Structured Query Language expressions.
• Provides students with an “under the hood” look at how databases function, giving them insights about how to build better databases.
• Relational algebra covered-Fundamental relational algebra operators are defined using a combination of set theory and diagrams; additional operators defined in terms of the fundamental operators.
• Teaches students about this procedural query language.
• Relational calculus-Covers both the domain (DRC) and tuple (TRC) relational calculus languages. Truth tables help to illustrate the correct declarative specification of the division operator.
• Teaches students about these declarative query languages.
• Emphasis on SQL.
• Introduces students to industry standard query language in terms of its mathematical functions and the formal query languages on which SQL is based.
• Discussion of the query languages-Provided by the popular, PC-based database product Microsoft® Access™.
• Enables students to relate theory to practice.