Database Fundamentals Introduction

Study Notes

Definition: A database is a collection of related data. Data refers to known facts that can be recorded and have implicit meaning (e.g., names, phone numbers, addresses).
Implicit Properties:
- Represents a miniworld (universe of discourse - UoD), reflecting changes in the real world.
- Is a logically coherent collection of data with inherent meaning, designed for a specific purpose.
- Has intended users and applications. Includes a data source, interactions with the real world, and an interested audience.
- End-users interact by performing transactions (e.g., purchases) or events (e.g., births) which alter database information.
Data vs. Datum: The book uses "data" as both singular and plural, common in database literature. Context clarifies whether "data" refers to one or multiple pieces of information. In standard English, "data" is plural, and "datum" is singular.

Reorganized chapter order for better instruction, but allows instructors to choose either new or previous order.
New chapters on big data and NoSQL databases.
SQL chapters are now before relational algebra/calculus, placing SQL projects earlier in course if needed.
ER/EER to relational mapping chapter added for designing relational schemas.
Database programming chapters (SQL, PHP, Java web dev) introduced allowing flexibility in assignments.
Updated object-relational/object-oriented databases and XML chapters, including recent incorporation of object and XML concepts in SQL standards.
Moved formal normalization aspects to dedicated chapter.
Enhanced file organization, indexing, query processing, and optimization chapters, including new techniques and examples.
Chapter dependency chart included to allow flexible course structures (one or two semesters).