An Introduction to Database Systems (v. 1) [Hardcover]

C. J. Date (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 020154329X | ISBN-13: 978-0201543292 | Publication Date: August 1994 | Edition: 6

A comprehensive, up-to-date treatment of database technology. This edition features: updated coverage of object-oriented database systems, including a proposal for rapprochement between OO and relational technologies; expanded treatment of distributed databases, including client/server architectures, with an emphasis on database design issues; a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of the relational model - the basis of modern database technology; and new chapters on functional dependencies, views, domains and missing information. This text is intended for undergraduates on courses in database technology.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The sixth edition of this best-selling text---which has been almost completely rewritten---continues the tradition established by its predecessors of being the best, most comprehensive, and most up-to-date treatment of database technology currently available. Features Exceptionally strong treatment of the relational model. Increased coverage of distributed databases, including client/server architecture and database design issues. Increased coverage of data protection issues---recovery, concurrency, security, and integrity. Four new chapters covering object-oriented database systems, including a proposal for rapprochement between object-oriented and relational technologies. Important new chapters on functional dependencies, view, domains, and missing information. Complete integration of the commercial SQL language throughout the text. This coverage is discussed at the level of the current SQL standard---SQL/92.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 840 pages
• Publisher: Addison-Wesley Pub (Sd); 6 edition (August 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 020154329X
• ISBN-13: 978-0201543292
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,247,951 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Do not start with this book, April 7, 2000

By 

Martin Chaput (Montreal,Quebec) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Introduction to Database Systems (v. 1) (Hardcover)

This is not Database for Dummies! The word introduction is a bit misleading to say the least and the words used are not the one you read in everyday life. If your are new to relational databases, you should read this book slowly (maybe one chapter per week). When you encounter a word or concept that you don't understand, go on the web or try an other book and find information about that subject. Then continue your reading. Reading this book is like creating a good database design: It's not easy, it is tiresome and a lot of time you will be discouraged. But in the end if you persevere it will be worthwhile.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Superb work. Intresting, good detail. (a bit wordy), September 3, 1999

By 

Elie Wildman "lite sleeper" (NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Introduction to Database Systems (v. 1) (Hardcover)

I used this book for a college level database course. The author has done a superb job overall.

Superb job at covering major DB concepts.

The writting of the book as well as exceptional orginization of the book show that the author is indeed an expert on the topic. I found that while the author is not the best at explaining the concepts in the book, he is still very good. This leaves the reader with some thinking to do in order to fully understand the material (which is fine).

The book is very wordy. This is positive becuase it keeps the book interesting and not dry. (The author is very good at connecting with the reader, something not found in many computer books). On the negative side it opens the door for more error of interpretation(although the author's skills prevent this, mostly). On complicated issues in which a section needs to be re-read several times, there is much more to read.

Last, b/c of the wordiness most of the book cannot be used as a quick reference guide. (So students make sure to underline, highlight...)

Plenty of practice questions and suitable answers.

In general this is a superb book for an introduction, the concepts will stay with the good reader for many months. A definite buy!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Learn Set Theory First, September 1, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: An Introduction to Database Systems (v. 1) (Hardcover)

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This book is a classic book on theory. It really explains, in detail, the theoritical underpinnings of modern relational database theory.

You should have a firm grasp of set theory before attempting this book, to read it without such prior knowledge will cause you to miss a great deal presented. He has firm reasons for his notation, albeit somewhat different from every day databases.