Book reivew: Advanced Database Techniques by Daniel Martin (MIT Press 1986)

Abstract

This book was originally published in French in 1985. The author attempts to treat in details some topics which are often ignored in most standard database texts [1, 2]. In his book, Daniel Martin attempts to point out the weakness of the relational data model such as the uselessness of functional dependency and normal forms in practical DBMSs, and the lack of power in modeling the semantics of application problems [pp. 44, 52]. Much attention was paid on practical aspects such as physical design, the construction and use data dictionary, and functional specification and requirement analysis. The author presents a new data model, called Dynamic Model, in which a fourth schema, the dynamic schema, is introduced to model the processing requirements of the transactions. The book is divided into seven chapters as follows:

References

1. J.D. Ullman "Principles of Database Systems," 2nd Edition, Computer Science Press, Rockville, MD., 1982.
2. C.J. Date "An Introduction to Database Systems," Vol. 1, 4th Edition, Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA., 1986.
3. D.C. Tsichritzis, and F.H. Lochovsky "Data Models," Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ., 1982.

Index Terms

• Information systems

  • Data management systems

    • Database design and models