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Database management has evolved from a specialized computer application to a central component of a modern computing environment, and, as a result, knowl- edge about database systems has become an essential part of an education in com- puter science. In this text, we present the fundamental concepts of database manage- ment. These concepts include aspects of database design, database languages, and database-system implementation. This text is intended for a first course in databases at the junior or senior under- graduate, 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. We assume only a familiarity with basic data structures, computer organization, and a high-level programming language such as Java, C, or Pascal. We present con- cepts as intuitive descriptions, many of which are based on our running example of a bank enterprise. Important theoretical results are covered, but formal proofs are omitted. The bibliographical notes contain pointers to research papers in which re- sults were first presented and proved, as well as references to material for further reading. 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. Our 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 Part 8, "Case Studies." In this fourth edition of Database System Concepts, we have retained the overall style of the first three editions, while addressing the evolution of database management. Several new chapters have been added to cover new technologies. Every chapter has been edited, and most have been modified extensively. We shall describe the changes in detail shortly. |
