Database Management Systems provides comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of the fundamentals of database systems. Coherent explanations and practical examples have made this one of the leading texts in the field. The third edition continues in this tradition, enhancing it with more practical material.

The new edition has been reorganized to allow more flexibility in the way the course is taught. Now, instructors can easily choose whether they would like to teach a course which emphasizes database application development or a course that emphasizes database systems issues. New overview chapters at the beginning of parts make it possible to skip other chapters in the part if you don't want the detail.

More applications and examples have been added throughout the book, including SQL and Oracle examples. The applied flavor is further enhanced by the two new database applications chapters.

Emphasis on the physical aspects of databases, including a chapter entitled "Physical Database Design and Tuning."
In-depth treatment of SQL. Not only does Ramakrishnan have an extensive chapter on SQL, but he also uses SQL throughout the book to demonstrate important concepts.
Early coverage of the ER Model.
Web site containing solutions, presentation materials, and lecture tips.
Practical SQL assignments that can be found on the website.
In-depth chapters on Internet Databases, Decision Support, Data Mining, Object-relational databases, and Deductive and Active databases.

2003-02-12 above average

Unfortunalty i'm no database expert but i hope i soon will be a little better. This book covers the important things you need to know about databases in alot less text than other books available. In short it seems to be relatively consise in database terms :) from what i have read so far anyway. All the key topics are covered and its a good book for someone studying a single module in databases on an academic course. For someone studying databases in far more depth i'm sure there are far more comprehensive books available.

Phill