Book Review - The Relational Database Dictionary by C. J. Date
Category Book Reviews
I don't care how long you've been in IT... If you get into a conversation with a hard-core data modeler, they will have you lost in language in a matter of 10 minutes or less. If you want to understand the precise terminology and meanings behind the words, this book might be your best short-term bet... The Relational Database Dictionary by C. J. Date.
This is similar to an O'Reilly's "Pocket Guide" title, in that it's a small format page design that totals just 113 pages. Included in those 113 pages are over 600 terms and phrases that relate to the world of relational databases. Probably the key thing to take into account here is the author... C. J. Date. Date is an authority in all things relational, so you know you're going to get expert definitions and opinions. The flip side is that Date is very much into the theoretical world of relational technology. Because of that, you get definitions that are very much founded in mathematical terminology and notation. Also, Date is very opinionated, and he has to qualms about giving you those opinions as to whether something is important or not...
If you're going to be spending time in the relational database world, you'll need to know this information. It's all packaged up in a concise format that will make it an oft-visited volume. Just don't read through the book thinking this is a "definitions for dummies" approach to the material. You *do* have to think here...
I don't care how long you've been in IT... If you get into a conversation with a hard-core data modeler, they will have you lost in language in a matter of 10 minutes or less. If you want to understand the precise terminology and meanings behind the words, this book might be your best short-term bet... The Relational Database Dictionary by C. J. Date.
This is similar to an O'Reilly's "Pocket Guide" title, in that it's a small format page design that totals just 113 pages. Included in those 113 pages are over 600 terms and phrases that relate to the world of relational databases. Probably the key thing to take into account here is the author... C. J. Date. Date is an authority in all things relational, so you know you're going to get expert definitions and opinions. The flip side is that Date is very much into the theoretical world of relational technology. Because of that, you get definitions that are very much founded in mathematical terminology and notation. Also, Date is very opinionated, and he has to qualms about giving you those opinions as to whether something is important or not...
If you're going to be spending time in the relational database world, you'll need to know this information. It's all packaged up in a concise format that will make it an oft-visited volume. Just don't read through the book thinking this is a "definitions for dummies" approach to the material. You *do* have to think here...
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