Designing Relational Database Systems [With CDROM]

by Rebecca M. Riordan

Book Overview

Meeting the demand for a definitive, design-focused guidebook to Microsoft's database technologies, Riordan offers practical discussion and instructive examples. She clarifies the rich but vast set of Microsoft tools for database development--from Access 20000 and SQL Server 7.0 to the various data access technologies within Visual Basic. Source code is featured on the CD-ROM.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 073560634X
• ISBN13: 9780735606340
• Release Date: September 1999
• Publisher: Microsoft Press
• Length: 286 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 7.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

There are times when I whish for the six star

I think that every application that I've been involved with has had a database behind it. I know that this is not always the case for other developers, but I think that in fact, most applications will need to store and retrieve information. My feeling is that there are a lot of application developers out there that would find the subject of this book very interesting. Building a fundamentally correct Database System is not an easy task. I think that even experienced people do have their doubts about what would be the best solution to a particular problem. Because there are not any pre-made solutions for every application, each case must be looked at independently and will have different solutions. Additionally, I believe that many of the problems with the database schema will only show up very late in the development cycle. At this point it's very difficult to make major changes the underlying schema because you've already laid the foundation for your application.If the design of the schema is a difficult task then the solution is reading, and learning about the subject. In my opinion the problem here is that many of the texts that I've read are too much theory and are not focussed on the real problems experienced in the day-to-day workplace. This is what I think is one of the strongest points in this book. The author has 17 year of experience in the design of database systems. This gives her the chance of understanding first hand what the problems are faced in the real world and combine that with a solid comprehension of the theory of design. The result is the best of the two world's, making this text a fundamental reference for the design of working database systems. Another important issue to point out is that the text of the book is so interesting, that you can pass the book to member's of the team not responsible for design, so they can understand the why certain issues are handled in a specific manner. The book is divided in three main subjects Relational Database Theory, Designing Relational Databases Systems and Designing the User Interface. Up front I think that the inclusion of the last part is a major improvement and makes the difference between a purely academic approach and real world approach. In my opinion this is not the ultimate word in any of the 3 main subjects, and further I think that this was not the intention of the author of the book. This text will bring organization to the reader's concepts of database design and a stepping stone to better understanding the underlying theory. Those readers wishing to continue their education will appreciate the excellent bibliography at the end of the book.Well if my personal experience means anything, I was very pleased after reading this book. I've changed a lot of the ways our group of developers approached designing databases. The book was a great help organizing our concepts of database design and more importantly it helped a lot in consolidating the way we plan our new projects.In

Great book, teaches alot more than you'd expect!

I started reading this book thinking it was only going to discuss the details of building tables, queries and realtionships. It not only went far past that, but I found this book to be an excellent guide to managing database projects as an independant consultant (such as the author) would. Like another reviewer has mentioned. This is an unknown gem to anyone preparing for the 70-100 MCSD test. There are many great insights in this book that you'll need to know to pass the 70-100. Too bad this book isn't reccomended study material for that test. I also think the autor does a great job at explaining somewhat complicated subjects like join and union queries and relational algebra in a manner that is fairly easy to understand. Not many database books out there can do that. I know this book is thin (320 pages. only 260 actual reading material with 60 for index, appendices,etc) as far as Microsoft Press books go but, this book has been the best MS Press book I've read so far!

Great explanations of essential database design concepts

This book is a well written presentation of relational theory and real world database design. It fills the void between books covering the basics of normalization and the more theoretical writings of C.J. Date. Essential reading for anyone who understands the basic principles of database design but feels stuck on how to really go about implementing them in their own applications. One of those books that belongs on all database developers bookshelves.

Excellent Coverage of Data Base Design

If you are moving out of basic databases into more advanced database design then this is the book for you. I have found this book to be an invaluable reference for building solid database designs for web applications. This book was easy to read, with a clear style communicating the concepts of database design, as compared to other texts I have read. I have been able to take to concepts from this book and improve existing application designs, delivering better applications. I would recommend Rebecca's book to anyone who wants to get a handle on this complex topic, in a clear, and easy to read manner.

An excellent and much-needed book!

Not since Database Design for Mere Mortals : A Hands-On Guide to Relational Database Design by Michael J. Hernandez has any book been so needed by the people who need to understand database design. And by focusing on the actual application of design concepts to Microsoft technologies, Rebecca's book takes an important step in the process that makes it more illustrative. Her easy-to-read style makes me hope that this is merely the first of many future works by this author.