The main aim of this work is to provide one readable text of essential core material for most higher education and commercial courses on database systems. The book was developed from the author's experiences of running a number of academic and commercial courses on database technology for more than seven years. The text is organised into a number of parts. The introductory chapters set the scene for the core of the text. First, the key features of a database system are described. Then some key concepts are defined. Part one explores a number of contemporary architectures for database systems. Because of its current dominance, particular emphasis is given to the relational data model. Part two provides a description of the major elements of a contemporary relational database management system: interface, kernel and toolkit. The issue of distributed database systems is also addressed. The part concludes by reviewing two existing DBMS: one relational; the other object-oriented. Part three presents a discussion of the major techniques utilised in the design and implementation of database systems. The issue of administering data in organisations is also considered. Part four considers new applications for databases. It consists of three chapters which look at areas that have a significant effect on the functionality of database systems: the issue of parallelism (contributed by Professor Frank Sumner), the issue of embedded 'intelligence' and handling complex data. "This book provides essential core material for most higher education and commercial courses on database systems. The aim is to present a balanced treatment of the issues involved in modern database technology and in the development of new database systems." "After two introductory chapters that deal with basic definitions and concepts, the book is organised in several parts. Part I: Data Models describes contemporary architectures for database systems; Part 2: Database Management examines the major elements of a relational database management system and reviews two current commercial systems; Part 3: Database Development presents techniques used in the design and implementation of database systems; while Part 4: New Developments considers new approaches for databases, such as parallelism and intelligent databases." "The book contains strong coverage of object-oriented principles and the emergence of SQL standards and the text is fully supported by many exercises, with suggested solutions."--BOOK JACKET Front Matter....Pages i-xi Databases as Abstract Machines....Pages 1-9 Key Concepts....Pages 10-19 Front Matter....Pages 21-21 Relational Data Model....Pages 23-41 Classic Data Models....Pages 42-48 Object-Oriented Data Model....Pages 49-58 Front Matter....Pages 59-60 DBMS Interface – SQL....Pages 61-79 DBMS-Kernel....Pages 80-96 DBMS Toolkit....Pages 97-106 Distributed Database Systems....Pages 107-115 Two Commercial DBMS....Pages 116-126 Front Matter....Pages 127-127 Data and Database Administration....Pages 129-143 Normalisation....Pages 144-161 Entity-Relationship Diagramming....Pages 162-184 Object Modelling....Pages 185-206 Physical Database Design....Pages 207-221 Front Matter....Pages 223-223 Parallel Computers for Database Systems....Pages 225-237 Intelligent Databases....Pages 238-252 Database Systems and Complex Applications....Pages 253-265 Back Matter....Pages 267-282 An introductory text for students taking a first course on databases. Written in an easy-to-read tutorial style and including many exercises, the book offers a balanced treatment of technical and developmental issues.
