Relational Database Design Clearly Explained

Fully revised and updated, Relational Database Design, Second Edition is the most lucid and effective introduction to relational database design available. Here, you'll find the conceptual and practical information you need to develop a design that ensures data accuracy and user satisfaction while optimizing performance, regardless of your experience level or choice of DBMS. Supporting the book's step-by-step instruction are three case studies illustrating the planning, analysis, and design steps involved in arriving at a sound design. These real-world examples include object-relational design techniques, which are addressed in greater detail in a new chapter devoted entirely to this timely subject. * Concepts you need to master to put the book's practical instruction to work. * Methods for tailoring your design to the environment in which the database will run and the uses to which it will be put. * Design approaches that ensure data accuracy and consistency. * Examples of how design can inhibit or boost database application performance. * Object-relational design techniques, benefits, and examples. * Instructions on how to choose and use a normalization technique. * Guidelines for understanding and applying Codd's rules. * Tools to implement a relational design using SQL. * Techniques for using CASE tools for database design.

Fully revised, updated, and expanded, Relational Database Design and Implementation, Third Edition is the most lucid and effective introduction to the subject available for IT/IS professionals interested in honing their skills in database design, implementation, and administration. This book provides the conceptual and practical information necessary to develop a design and management scheme that ensures data accuracy and user satisfaction while optimizing performance, regardless of experience level or choice of DBMS. The book begins by reviewing basic concepts of databases and database design, then briefly reviews the SQL one would use to create databases. Topics such as the relational data model, normalization, data entities and Codd's Rules (and why they are important) are covered clearly and concisely but without resorting to "Dummies"-style talking down to the reader. Supporting the book's step-by-step instruction are three NEW case studies illustrating database planning, analysis, design, and management practices. In addition to these real-world examples, which include object-relational design techniques, an entirely NEW section consisting of three chapters is devoted to database implementation and management issues. * Principles needed to understand the basis of good relational database design and implementation practices. * Examples to illustrate core concepts for enhanced comprehension and to put the book's practical instruction to work. * Methods for tailoring DB design to the environment in which the database will run and the uses to which it will be put. * Design approaches that ensure data accuracy and consistency. * Examples of how design can inhibit or boost database application performance. * Object-relational design techniques, benefits, and examples. * Instructions on how to choose and use a normalization technique. * Guidelines for understanding and applying Codd's rules. * Tools to implement a relational design using SQL. * Techniques for using CASE tools for database design.

Relational Database Design and Implementation: Clearly Explained, Fourth Edition, provides the conceptual and practical information necessary to develop a database design and management scheme that ensures data accuracy and user satisfaction while optimizing performance. Database systems underlie the large majority of business information systems. Most of those in use today are based on the relational data model, a way of representing data and data relationships using only two-dimensional tables. This book covers relational database theory as well as providing a solid introduction to SQL, the international standard for the relational database data manipulation language. The book begins by reviewing basic concepts of databases and database design, then turns to creating, populating, and retrieving data using SQL. Topics such as the relational data model, normalization, data entities, and Codd's Rules (and why they are important) are covered clearly and concisely. In addition, the book looks at the impact of big data on relational databases and the option of using NoSQL databases for that purpose. Features updated and expanded coverage of SQL and new material on big data, cloud computing, and object-relational databases Presents design approaches that ensure data accuracy and consistency and help boost performance Includes three case studies, each illustrating a different database design challenge Reviews the basic concepts of databases and database design, then turns to creating, populating, and retrieving data using SQL

This book will help you make sense of the conflicting theories and vendor claims about object-oriented database systems."--BOOK JACKET.

Because databases often stay in production for decades, careful design is critical to making the database serve the needs of your users over years, and to avoid subtle errors or performance problems. In this book, C.J. Date, a leading exponent of relational databases, lays out the principles of good database design.

This is the second edition of the popular practitioner's guide to SQL, the industry-standard database query language. Like most computer languages, SQL can be overwhelming when you first see it, but for years readers have relied on this book to clear the confusion and explain how SQL works and how to use it effectively. Packed with tips, tricks, and good information, SQL Clearly Explained, Second Edition teaches database users and programmers everything they need to know to get their job done including · formulating SQL queries, · understanding how queries are processed by the DBMS,· maximizing performance,· using SQL to enter, modify, or delete data,· creating and maintaining database structural elements, and· embedding SQL in applications.Features· Updated and expanded to include changes in the SQL standard (SQL:1999) as well as recently implemented aspects of SQL-92.· Includes CD with examples from the book as well as MySQL, a popular open-source DBMS, on which the examples are based.· Web enhanced with extra features available online at www.mkp.com. * Second edition of classic SQL handbook* Updated to cover changes in the SQL language standard (SQL:1999)* Includes CD with MySQL software

"This book takes the somewhat daunting process of database design and breaks it into completely manageable and understandable components. Mike's approach whilst simple is completely professional, and I can recommend this book to any novice database designer." --Sandra Barker, Lecturer, University of South Australia, Australia "Databases are a critical infrastructure technology for information systems and today's business. Mike Hernandez has written a literate explanation of database technology--a topic that is intricate and often obscure. If you design databases yourself, this book will educate you about pitfalls and show you what to do. If you purchase products that use a database, the book explains the technology so that you can understand what the vendor is doing and assess their products better." --Michael Blaha, consultant and trainer, author of A Manager's Guide to Database Technology "If you told me that Mike Hernandez could improve on the first edition of Database Design for Mere Mortals I wouldn't have believed you, but he did! The second edition is packed with more real-world examples, detailed explanations, and even includes database-design tools on the CD-ROM! This is a must-read for anyone who is even remotely interested in relational database design, from the individual who is called upon occasionally to create a useful tool at work, to the seasoned professional who wants to brush up on the fundamentals. Simply put, if you want to do it right, read this book!" --Matt Greer, Process Control Development, The Dow Chemical Company "Mike's approach to database design is totally common-sense based, yet he's adhered to all the rules of good relational database design. I use Mike's books in my starter database-design class, and I recommend his books to anyone who's interested in learning how to design databases or how to write SQL queries." --Michelle Poolet, President, MVDS, Inc. "Slapping together sophisticated applications with poorly designed data will hurt you just as much now as when Mike wrote his first edition, perhaps even more. Whether you're just getting started developing with data or are a seasoned pro; whether you've read Mike's previous book or this is your first; whether you're happier letting someone else design your data or you love doing it yourself--this is the book for you. Mike's ability to explain these concepts in a way that's not only clear, but fun, continues to amaze me." --From the Foreword by Ken Getz, MCW Technologies, coauthor ASP.NET Developer's JumpStart "The first edition of Mike Hernandez's book Database Design for Mere Mortals was one of the few books that survived the cut when I moved my office to smaller quarters. The second edition expands and improves on the original in so many ways. It is not only a good, clear read, but contains a remarkable quantity of clear, concise thinking on a very complex subject. It's a must for anyone interested in the subject of database design." --Malcolm C. Rubel, Performance Dynamics Associates "Mike's excellent guide to relational database design deserves a second edition. His book is an essential tool for fledgling Microsoft Access and other desktop database developers, as well as for client/server pros. I recommend it highly to all my readers." --Roger Jennings, author of Special Edition Using Access 2002 "There are no silver bullets! Database technology has advanced dramatically, the newest crop of database servers perform operations faster than anyone could have imagined six years ago, but none of these technological advances will help fix a bad database design, or capture data that you forgot to include! Database Design for Mere Mortals(TM), Second Edition, helps you design your database right in the first place!" --Matt Nunn, Product Manager, SQL Server, Microsoft Corporation "When my brother started his professional career as a developer, I gave him Mike's book to help him understand database concepts and make real-world application of database technology. When I need a refresher on the finer points of database design, this is the book I pick up. I do not think that there is a better testimony to the value of a book than that it gets used. For this reason I have wholeheartedly recommended to my peers and students that they utilize this book in their day-to-day development tasks." --Chris Kunicki, Senior Consultant, OfficeZealot.com "Mike has always had an incredible knack for taking the most complex topics, breaking them down, and explaining them so that anyone can 'get it.' He has honed and polished his first very, very good edition and made it even better. If you're just starting out building database applications, this book is a must-read cover to cover. Expert designers will find Mike's approach fresh and enlightening and a source of great material for training others." --John Viescas, President, Viescas Consulting, Inc., author of Running Microsoft Access 2000 and coauthor of SQL Queries for Mere Mortals "Whether you need to learn about relational database design in general, design a relational database, understand relational database terminology, or learn best practices for implementing a relational database, Database Design for Mere Mortals(TM), Second Edition, is an indispensable book that you'll refer to often. With his many years of real-world experience designing relational databases, Michael shows you how to analyze and improve existing databases, implement keys, define table relationships and business rules, and create data views, resulting in data integrity, uniform access to data, and reduced data-entry errors." --Paul Cornell, Site Editor, MSDN Office Developer Center Sound database design can save hours of development time and ensure functionality and reliability. Database Design for Mere Mortals(TM), Second Edition, is a straightforward, platform-independent tutorial on the basic principles of relational database design. It provides a commonsense design methodology for developing databases that work. Database design expert Michael J. Hernandez has expanded his best-selling first edition, maintaining its hands-on approach and accessibility while updating its coverage and including even more examples and illustrations. This edition features a CD-ROM that includes diagrams of sample databases, as well as design guidelines, documentation forms, and examples of the database design process. This book will give you the knowledge and tools you need to create efficient and effective relational databases.