Database Systems: Design, Implementation, and Management

A very useful book for a complex subject. To be fair, I must disclose that I just completed the Database Techniques course at Middle Tennessee State with Mr. Coronel as the instructor (a co-author of the book). I do not know Dr. Rob, but Coronel was a great teacher and used the book extensively. We covered the entire book (5th ed) and I have actually read it; unlike some reviewers have admitted too. I believe the book is useful for learning the basics of database design. Topics such as normalization, entity relationships and SQL queries and transactions are very complex. I had been exposed to these topics in other classes, but never quite grasped them. This book helped me understand these topics and to achieve proficiency in using the tools in database design. The problems and review questions at the end of each chapter were useful for applying the knowledge in hands-on exercises to reinforce learning. Other reviewers have given the book low scores for having mistakes and unworkable assignments. Sure the book has mistakes, but I do not believe any book is perfect. The class found some mistakes in the 5 th ed, but those were noted and will be corrected in the next edition. Also mentioned by a reviewer were the assignments that were "literally impossible" to complete. That's curious? I completed them just fine. This isn't a book I would buy to just try to learn on my own. I think you need an experienced teacher to guide you through the process. However, if this book is required for a database class and you are debating whether you should by it, by all means, get it. I think you can learn much from it.

This being my first book about databases, I find that it explains the topic at hand very well, and concisely. While database design can be daunting of a task, the book guides the reader through it step by step, explaining exactly why something is like it is. The first chapters discuss the different models that were in use and what is becoming mainstream right now. Very easy to read, but some technological insight is suggested when starting this.

The biggest problem with finding books on designing databases is that there are so few around for a topic that is so important. All the other books I have seen to date have explanations that are either unrealistically convoluted or to simplistic to have any real world use. This book is an exception by presenting data modelling in a practical and logical manner.

The only negative side is that the text in the latest edition is very small but for the only decent book on data modelling that's out there its worth getting out the glasses. I would have given this book 4 stars for its overall value but felt that some of the single stars were unfair.

If you are taking a college level course in the fundamentals of database design and you are having a hard time understanding what your professor is talking about, then this textbook is a must. Your professor might cover the topics in a difference sequence, but you could very easily find your way around in this textbook. It covers all the basics of relational design (which is the topic most colleges teach) in an excellent manner. It is full of textual examples coupled with graphical representations. No need to get the latest edition. Even an older one would do. Have fun with databases.

The book is 5th edition. I got it really late. I was originally supposed to get it between Jan. 28 and Feb 12th I got it a couple of days before my first exam. I had to read Ch 1. 2. 3 and 5 What they say a stitch in time.....