Relational database. [4] : Writings 1994-1997

This book is the fifth in Chris Date's well known Relational Database
Writings series. Like its precursors, the book consists of a
collection of papers on various aspects of relational technology. It
is divided into four parts:
I.
Theory is Practical
II.
Relational Database Management
III.
The Problem of Missing Information
IV.
Relational vs. Nonrelational Systems
This unique collection combines practical advice on how to solve real
world implementation problems with more thought-provoking and
sometimes controversial articles. The first part consists of
installments from Chris Date's regular column in Database Programming
and Design magazine in which he takes a variety of theoretical aspects
of relational technology and explains, in a non-academic way, just why
those aspects are important and why they should be of interest to the
database practitioner. In Part II, Hugh Darwen and David McGoveran
comment on the true nature of databases and on the status of attempts
to implement the relational model in the industry. There is also a
detailed introduction to the ideas behind The Third Manifesto - the
logical foundation for object/relational databases - something every
database professional will want to read. Part III addresses the much
discussed but serious issue of missing information and provides a well
argued case for why many-valued logics are unsuitable as a basis for
addressing the problem. Finally, Part IV provides a critical and
sometimes controversial analysis of object databases. In addition, an
appendix contains the transcript for a live presentation entitled
"Database Graffiti".
Relational Database Writings 1994-1997 continues the tradition
established by its predecessors and will need no further
recommendation for readers familiar with them. It is essential reading
for all serious database students and professionals.
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The fifth in the series of books written by Chris Date on the general topic of database technology

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Chris Date is renowned for his ability to explain complex technical material in a clear and understandable fashion

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Should appeal to anyone working in the area of database technology from professional to academic

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Covers articles he has written from 1994-1997 that he feels are worth preserving