This second edition relies on the same successful approach that distinguished the first: it covers the principles of database theory with unmatched thoroughness, and it rigorously links theory to the real world of database programming and administration. A careful discussion of SQL standards and a multitude of examples drawn from actual databases-Oracle, DB2, and Informix-complements the authors' concept-oriented instruction, allowing you to develop product-specific understanding and to learn the important differences between the SQL dialects that will enable you to write portable applications. * Focuses extensively on the object-relational model that is rapidly gaining acceptance and revolutionizing the database industry. Collection types and UDF's are thoroughly covered.* Introduces new relational features of SQL taken from the latest versions of today's most popular database products, Oracle, DB2, and Informix.* Offers thorough coverage of the SQL-99 standard, including additions designed to help you take full advantage of the object-relational model.* Provides expanded programming examples intended to improve your understanding of transaction processing and error handling.* Explains clearly the principles of logical database design, including those relating to the E-R model and normalization, with a number of new illustrations and examples.* Presents the latest indexing and query processing techniques, such as bitmap indexing, and shows how to use them to achieve significant performance improvements. Read Less