The book Database Systems presents the fundamental concepts of database management as simply as possible and discusses the advantages of using a relational database over simple files or spreadsheets.

The main purpose of this book is for the reader to understand the theoretical aspects of designing a proper relational database and how to practically apply the concepts learned. All theoretical content is accompanied by special Practical Exercise sections, where the theory is presented practically so that the reader can internalize it.

While the theoretical part discusses general principles of database design without relying on a specific DBMS, the practical part of the book focuses on three popular relational database systems: Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, and MySQL. This way, the reader will be able to practice and focus on the DBMS that interests them.

This book:

• teaches you what a database and a DBMS (database management system) are
• explains the basic concepts on which a relational database is based
• provides the advantages and disadvantages of a DBMS
• explains why designing a proper relational database is important and how this goal can be achieved
• explains what the Entity-Relationship (ER) model is and how an ER diagram can be designed
• shows you in detail how to create a database from an ER diagram
• presents practical examples of MS Access, MS SQL Server, and MySQL