The Essence of Databases (Essence of Computing) [Paperback]

Fred Rolland (Author)

Book Description

Series: Essence of Computing | Publication Date: November 10, 1997

This is a concise, complete briefing on the fundamentals of database technology - both theory and practice.The Essence of Databases covers database design, relational systems, object-oriented systems, distributed systems, and the internal management and control of database systems. The coverage of database design includes a detailed summary of semantic data modeling concepts and how they are implemented in ER modeling, functional data modeling and semantic object modeling. The coverage of internal management demonstrates how logical database structures are stored in physical devices, and considers the related problems of concurrent access control and database transaction integrity. The book also addresses the challenge of managing today's complex distributed databases.For anyone interested in database technology; no background required.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

This is a concise, complete briefing on the fundamentals of database technology - both theory and practice.The Essence of Databases covers database design, relational systems, object-oriented systems, distributed systems, and the internal management and control of database systems. The coverage of database design includes a detailed summary of semantic data modeling concepts and how they are implemented in ER modeling, functional data modeling and semantic object modeling. The coverage of internal management demonstrates how logical database structures are stored in physical devices, and considers the related problems of concurrent access control and database transaction integrity. The book also addresses the challenge of managing today's complex distributed databases.For anyone interested in database technology; no background required.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall PTR; 1st edition (November 10, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0137278276
• ISBN-13: 978-0137278275
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,243,979 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Designing a database : get this book!, May 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Essence of Databases (Essence of Computing) (Paperback)

Easy to read and communicates years of db theory in practical, easy-to-digest chapters.

This is not a how-to reference for database applications. And because it isn't written for any particular software, that makes it an invaluable design reference. SQL, Access, Oracle, whatever-- this book focuses on solid, proven design and not on the latest, coolest, widget.

If you are considering a database, for whatever platform, for whatever project, be sure to grab this book.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, February 11, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Essence of Databases (Essence of Computing) (Paperback)

I found this one of those rare texts that managed to convey the wanted information in a succinct and yet clear way. I had a very limited knowledge of databases before reading this book so I recommend it to others who are new to the field.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid introduction to databases; excellent value for money, August 23, 2002

By 

"wjob9" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Essence of Databases (Essence of Computing) (Paperback)

I used the book as a self-study guide to help understand the essence of databases....the book delivers on what it promises. I would not recommend this book to a serious student what wants to learn how to program databases (it could complement more extensive books). However, for someone who needs to understand the database world at a technical level of detail (e.g., be an intelligent collaborator with database specialists rather than a manager), the book is a useful and solid introduction. There is little extraneous material or discussions to distract, and the book's small size makes it easy to stuff into a briefcase and read on airplanes.