From: ST
To: Editor

Date: May 15, 2003

 

I'd like to gain an understanding of the mathematical foundation for the relational model.  I think that by doing so I'll gain a better appreciation of the model, and will be able to properly use modeling techniques in practice.

 

I was hoping to achieve this by first familiarizing myself with set theory and relational algebra at an introductory level, then delve how it is applied to the field of relational database design (where Chris's INTRO TO DB DESIGN would be a must ... only 8 business days 'til it arrives...).  I've read PRACTICAL ISSUES and, while I understood most of what I was reading, I felt as though I would have retained more if I had had a broader knowledge of the field from which to start.

 

I also have to admit that, while I've had the job of DBA for five years, I've had the formal training of only a "DBMS-A" (if you get my meaning).  I figure if I want to be successful, I had better know what I'm doing outside of the context of a specific vendor or piece of software, lest that vendor or software become obsolete and my career along with it.

 

Re: DAMA...I thought DAMA was vendor-independent, which by definition should weed out most of the conference fluff.  Maybe the proponents of the various non-relational technologies (ha) are the real sources of frustration (people who should know better, but choose not to...)?

 

 

From: Fabian Pascal

To: ST

 

It helps, of course, to know relational algebra and set theory, but it's important to point out that it is not mandatory in order to understand the relational model from a practitioner's perspective. If you had difficulties with my book, it's not due to your not knowing the theory, but to the lack of exposure to data fundamentals--basic concepts and principles. Chris's INTRO book should give you that.

 

I'm afraid that if you learn this stuff it'll be mainly for your own enlightenment. Of course it'll help you in your work to understand what you are doing (rather than work in cookbook mode), but in general there is neither interest nor appreciation in such knowledge in the industry and, in fact, you should be careful expressing it, as it may actually work against you and get you labeled as a "non-practical guy".

 

Practically all conferences today are sponsored by vendors in some way (see On Speaker Selection Criteria: Something Rotten in Denmark, On Trade Media’s Balance: Another One Bites the Dust) and, just like the trade media; the customers of the organizers are the vendors, not the attendees. This affects conferences in very subtle ways, of which most people are unaware. But even without that I would be depressed--the non-vendor presenters and topics, if any, are not any better.

 

 

Posted 08/29/03

 

 

 

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