Database Reference
In-Depth Information
3. Terminology
“When I use a word,” Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, “it means
just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less.”
—L
EWIS
C
ARROLL
T
HROUGH THE
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OOKING
G
LASS
Topics Covered in This Chapter
Thetermsinthischapterareimportantforyoutounderstandbeforeyouembarkuponlearn-
ing the design process. Indeed, there are other terms that you'll need to learn, and I'll cover
them as you work through the process. There's also a glossary in the back of the topic that
youcanusetorefreshyourmemoryonanytermyoulearnhereorinthefollowingchapters.
Why This Terminology Is Important
Relational database design has its own unique set of terms, just as any other profession,
trade, or discipline. Here are three good reasons why it's important for you to learn these
terms.
1.
They are used to express and define the special ideas and concepts of the relational
database model.
Much of the terminology is derived from the mathematical
branches of set theory and first-order predicate logic, which form the basis of the re-
lational database model.
2.
They are used to express and define the database design process itself.
The design
process becomes clearer and much easier to understand once you know these terms.
3,
They are used anywhere a relational database or RDBMS is discussed.
You'll see
these terms in publications such as trade magazines, software manuals, educational
course materials, commercial database software topics, and database-related web
sites.
