Re: What is a relational database?

MVCS wrote:
>
> Briefly, what is a relational database? Where can I find some simple
> examples which demonstrate how I might connect such a database to, for
> example, a graph control for visualization of some data?

Why -- it's a database that's relational of course!

Seriously though -- there are a number of good books on the subject. I would recommend staying away from the ones that get into relational calculus and the precice mathematical definitions and proof of how it all works. The relational model is very "well-defined" in a mathematical sense and the rules of normalization are some simple rules you should follow to build well designed data models.

Let me see [rummaging through piles of books] are a few recommendations.

	 Fundamentals of Database Systems
		Elmasri/Navathe

	 Managing the Database Environment
		Martin
	
	 An Introduction to Database Systems
		Date
	
	 Principles of Database and Knowledge-Base Systems
		Ullman  (Recommended only for the truly masochistic 
			 but veeerrryyy thorough!)

	 Anything by Codd -- he invented the relational thing.

Most of the above are rather difficult if you have no database experience.
Would recommend your local bookstore -- plenty of "Database for Dummies" type books there.

Too much to go into here -- RTFM

Access links rather easily to MS Graph -- but this has very limited functionality. I don't know about other graphing packages, but MS Graph serves my needs.

jwp Received on Sun Sep 14 1997 - 00:00:00 CEST