The Relational Database Dictionary: A Comprehensive Glossary of Relational Terms and Concepts, with Illustrative Examples [Paperback]

Chris J. Date (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0596527985 | ISBN-13: 978-0596527983 | Publication Date: September 4, 2006 | Edition: 1

Avoid misunderstandings that can affect the design, programming, and use of database systems. Whether you're using Oracle, DB2, SQL Server, MySQL, or PostgreSQL, The Relational Database Dictionary will prevent confusion about the precise meaning of database-related terms (e.g., attribute, 3NF, one-to-many correspondence, predicate, repeating group, join dependency), helping to ensure the success of your database projects. Carefully reviewed for clarity, accuracy, and completeness, this authoritative and comprehensive quick-reference contains more than 600 terms, many with examples, covering issues and concepts arising from the relational model of data.

This one-of-a-kind dictionary provides a single, compact source where DBAs, database designers, DBMS implementers, application developers, and database professors and students can find the accurate definitions they need on a daily basis, information that isn't readily available anywhere else. If you're working with or learning about relational databases, you need this pocket-sized quick-reference.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

C. J. Date has a stature that is unique within the database industry. He is an independent author, lecturer, researcher, and consultant, specializing in relational database technology (a field he helped pioneer). He is best known for his books, especially his best-selling textbook An Introduction to Database Systems (8th edition published in 2004), which has sold nearly three quarters of a million copies and is used by several hundred colleges and universities worldwide.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media; 1 edition (September 4, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0596527985
• ISBN-13: 978-0596527983
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,979,110 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A serious treatment of database terminology..., September 25, 2006

By 

Thomas Duff "Duffbert" (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Relational Database Dictionary: A Comprehensive Glossary of Relational Terms and Concepts, with Illustrative Examples (Paperback)

I don't care how long you've been in IT... If you get into a conversation with a hard-core data modeler, they will have you lost in language in a matter of 10 minutes or less. If you want to understand the precise terminology and meanings behind the words, this book might be your best short-term bet... The Relational Database Dictionary by C. J. Date.

This is similar to an O'Reilly's "Pocket Guide" title, in that it's a small format page design that totals just 113 pages. Included in those 113 pages are over 600 terms and phrases that relate to the world of relational databases. Probably the key thing to take into account here is the author... C. J. Date. Date is an authority in all things relational, so you know you're going to get expert definitions and opinions. The flip side is that Date is very much into the theoretical world of relational technology. Because of that, you get definitions that are very much founded in mathematical terminology and notation. Also, Date is very opinionated, and he has to qualms about giving you those opinions as to whether something is important or not...

If you're going to be spending time in the relational database world, you'll need to know this information. It's all packaged up in a concise format that will make it an oft-visited volume. Just don't read through the book thinking this is a "definitions for dummies" approach to the material. You *do* have to think here...

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for quick consultation., February 2, 2007

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Relational Database Dictionary: A Comprehensive Glossary of Relational Terms and Concepts, with Illustrative Examples (Paperback)

C.J. Date's THE RELATIONAL DATABASE, may appear small in stature but its information is invaluable, offering a basic guide defining the meaning of database-related terms in a quick reference of some 600 terms. Offered up in a pocket size, it provides easy at-a-glance definitions perfect for quick consultation.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice RDBMS Reference, January 17, 2008

By 

Daniel McKinnon "Dan" (Tewksbury, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Relational Database Dictionary: A Comprehensive Glossary of Relational Terms and Concepts, with Illustrative Examples (Paperback)

At around 100 pages, 'The Relational Database Dictionary' is one of the shortest books that O'Reilly publishes, but that doesn't mean it's a bad thing! So many books are publishes with bloat that it's nice seeing these occasional pocket guides (there certainly aren't a lot of them) that keep the bulk down and the content tight. Folks this book does everything it says it does. It's a dictionary of relational database terms. It's not meant to be a teaching guide or anything extensive. The books assumes that you know (or will know at some point) a bit about what RDBMS are and why you would want to use them. The guide is tailored towards the professional that wants a quick reference on their desk for daily terminology that they might need to look up, or a quick refresher on subjects that they already know about but want to refresh their memory. If you use databases on a daily basis and are an administrator or developer, I think this is a fine reference to have on your desk. If you are looking for a LEARNING book this isn't what you are looking for. It's best described as a companion book and I think it accomplishes that niche goal just fine.

**** RECOMMENDED