Database System Concepts (Hardcover)

by Abraham Silberschatz (Author), Henry Korth (Author), S. Sudarshan (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Database System Concepts, 5/e, is intended for a first course in databases at the junior or senior undergraduate, or first-year graduate, level. In addition to basic material for a first course, the text contains advanced material that can be used for course supplements, or as introductory material for an advanced course.

The authors assume only a familiarity with basic data structures, computer organization, and a high-level programming language such as Java, C, or Pascal. Concepts are presented as intuitive descriptions, and many are based on the running example of a bank enterprise. Important theoretical results are covered, but formal proofs are omitted. In place of proofs, figures and examples are used to suggest why a result is true.

The fundamental concepts and algorithms covered in the book are often based on those used in existing commercial or experimental database systems. The aim is to present these concepts and algorithms in a general setting that is not tied to one particular database system. Details of particular commercial database systems are discussed in the case studies which constitute Part 8 of the book.

The fifth edition of Database System Concepts retains the overall style of prior editions while evolving the content and organization to reflect the changes that are occurring in the way databases are designed, managed, and used.

Key Handles: • Early coverage of SQL in two chapters • Think of SQL as doing or creating Queries • Silberschatz uses a bank analogy throughout his text with Running Examples • Case studies are incorporated that represent a different database, this is in the last Part of the text • Focuses on cutting edge material, such as xml, web based database systems

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1168 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math; 5 edition (May 17, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072958863
• ISBN-13: 978-0072958867
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.6 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #410,974 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book available for truly understanding databases., July 17, 1998

By	C. Allwein "cmu_nort" (Lebanon, PA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Database System Concepts (Hardcover)

Too many database books ignore the semantics, research and design that go into databases. This book covers everything from the basics to the complex. You will learn the different design methdologies behind databases as well as the history and research that has gone into this field. You will also learn how to design and debug database systems. The book is excellently laid out and assumes no prior database knowledge. It doesn't discuss specific database systems, but it does cover the different styles and query languages you will come across (QBE, SQL, etc.) This book allows you to come away with the knowledge and expertise necessary for database applications. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in any way with databases. No matter what your interest, you will not come away empty handed.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an excellent book - but it is difficult, January 9, 2001

By	"[e-mail]" (San Mateo, Ca USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Database System Concepts (Hardcover)

I had this book for an intro to databases classe, and I have to agree that the material presented within is challenging; however, that doesn't mean that the book is bad - working with databases (outside of small academic projects) is very challenging. Most of the database developers that I work with have a BS or MS in CS as well as about 10 -15 years experience.

When I began working with Oracle in an employment situation with a complex schema - my appreciation for this book and the theories presented within grew enormously. If nothing else, you'll at least be able to speak intelligently about database related issues with your future (or current) co-workers.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great introductory but not reference level book, October 15, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Database System Concepts (Mcgraw-Hill Computer Science Series.) (Hardcover)

I bought this book as a requirement for a DB class. I am an extremely detail-oriented person, so take that into account, but while it always gives sufficient information to tell you about a subject, it does not always give enough information to allow you to synthesize on your own. Example is the section on relational calculus, which gives a very firm overview of what it is, but doesn't necessarily give enough info to be able to construct all of your own forms. I bought the Elmasri/Navathe book as a supplement, and the two together form a much better source. Elmasri sometimes uses a simpler syntax, but the explanation is more complete. Elmasri/Navathe's treatment of normalization is far more complete, also.