Customer Reviews

The Essence of Databases (Essence of Computing)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I teach databases to people with very different backgrounds. This book, although it looks a bit thin for such a large field of study as databases, gives almost everyone a very good, and a surprisingly thorough introduction.

It is correct, clear and well structured, with good examples and exercises. If you have some academic experience, it will do well for self-studying. Databases is not a light subject. It is not something you get to grips with without going through some rather heavy theory.

Rolland tells you what you need to know, without complicating things, and without oversimplifying important but rather technical details.

I teach databases to people with very different backgrounds. This book, although it looks a bit thin for such a large field of study as databases, gives almost everyone a very good, and a surprisingly thorough introduction.
It is correct, clear and well structured, with good examples and exercises. If you have some academic experience, it will do well for self-studying. Databases is not a light subject. It is not something you get to grips with without going through some rather heavy theory.

Rolland tells you what you need to know, without complicating things, and without oversimplifying important but rather technical details.