Amazon.com
"Intended as an upper-level undergraduate or introductory graduate text in computer science theory," this book lucidly covers the key concepts and theorems of the theory of computation. The presentation is remarkably clear; for example, the "proof idea," which offers the reader an intuitive feel for how the proof was constructed, accompanies many of the theorems and a proof. Introduction to the Theory of Computation covers the usual topics for this type of text plus it features a solid section on complexity theory--including an entire chapter on space complexity. The final chapter introduces more advanced topics, such as the discussion of complexity classes associated with probabilistic algorithms.
Book Description
This highly anticipated revision builds upon the strengths of the previous edition. Sipser's candid, crystal-clear style allows students at every level to understand and enjoy this field. His innovative "proof idea" sections explain profound concepts in plain English. The new edition incorporates many improvements students and professors have suggested over the years, and offers updated, classroom-tested problem sets at the end of each chapter.
Customer Reviews:
My choice for textbook in my computation theory class.......2007-10-01
I recently encountered this book at a publisher's booth at a computer conference and read it on the ride back home. This morning I made a trip to the college bookstore and notified them that it is the textbook that I will be using in my computation theory class this spring.
The chapter titles are:
0) Introduction - this chapter contains the fundamental mathematical background of sets, functions, graphs and proofs. For most students, it could be skipped or skimmed.
1) Regular languages - this chapter is an introduction to deterministic and nondeterministic finite automata and regular expressions.
2) Context-free languages - an introduction to context-free grammars and pushdown automata.
3) The Church-Turing theses - an introduction to Turing machines and the variants, such as multiple tapes and nondeterministic Turing machines.
4) Decidability - the definition of decidability and how Turing machines and finite automata are used to prove or disprove if a language is decidable.
5) Reducibility - the definition of reducible and how Turing machines can be used to execute reductions.
6) The recursion theorem - an introduction to the recursion theorem and some applications to formal theories.
7) Time complexity - the first chapter in the coverage of algorithmic complexity, in this case execution time.
8) Space complexity - an examination of the complexity of algorithms from the perspective of the amount of memory required.
9) Intractability - an examination of the problems that can be solved in principle but not in practice.
10) Advanced topics in complexity theory - approximation algorithms, probabilistic algorithms, alternation, interactive proof systems, parallel computation and cryptography.
There is less coverage of grammars than most books, which is replaced by more in the area of algorithmic analysis. In my opinion, that is an appropriate tradeoff, the analysis of algorithms gives the students some understanding of how automata are applied in computer science.
Another excellent feature of this book is the solutions to selected exercises that appear at the end of the chapters. My estimate is that reasonably detailed solutions to approximately one-third of the problems are included. This allows the students to work extra problems by themselves, and helps the instructor if they are asked to do another example in class that they have not already worked through.
The exposition is very good; I am convinced that the students will be able to read the material on their own, which is one more reason why I adopted this book for my course.
well-organized, progressive, and understandable.......2007-01-06
As an intro to the theoretical background to computer science goes, this book is about as readable and approachable as you can get.
It gives a very thorough treatment of the whole theoretical basis, from regular languages and pumping lemmas out through Turing machines and related issues, and on to some interesting language classes (like NP and PSpace-complete).
If there's a single sticking point with the book, it's that it insists on a very strict formalism (ie: everything is proof-based) -- something necessary for the topic, but it sometimes renders the material a bit hard to digest.
Great book on the subject.......2006-12-27
If you are interested in or for other reasons must read a book on this subject, this is the book. I took a class last semester which used Hopcroft as the text and I found myself often turning to this book for better understanding. This book is more intuitive and thus a bit less formal than Hopcroft but when trying to learn, understanding is better than mathematical formalism. If you are new to the subject, Sipser is the book to begin with.
Very readable, diverse, and a little sparse.......2006-11-25
This is a wonderful little gem of a book that presents the theory of computation in a fascinating way. It is targeted at advanced undergraduates in computer science, but assumes remarkably little prior knowledge, making it accessible to nearly anyone. The book covers a lot of ground, including the standard fare of automata, computability, and complexity results, plus some bonus material such as probablistic and parallel complexity, information theory, decidable logical theories, and other topics that are normally left out of introductory books. On top of this, the book is remarkably thin!
The best attribute of Sipser's book, though, is the engaging style. This is an easy book to read. You will not feel like you're running into a brick wall, as is sometimes the case with books on abstract topics. It's not so much that the book is slow or gentle (it's really not) as that it is interesting, engaging, and has a knack for stopping short of getting too caught up in details. A number of small things -- the occasional amusing exercise, the "proof idea" sections, or helpful pictures -- add up to an enjoyable reading experience.
Two cautions are appropriate to students considering this book. First, there are variations between authors in the definitions of various automata (especially PDAs). The differences are trivial, and more a matter of taste than of any real importance; but it could come up if you use Sipser as a supplement to a course that follows a different textbook. Second, the coverage of many topics in Sipser's book is brief and concise, sometimes more than you might like. Some important concepts (for example, pairwise distinguishability of strings) are only mentioned in exercises, not in the main chapter, so at least skim all the exercises even if you don't do them. The sketchy coverage is especially pronounced in advanced topics, so (as always) expect to do some filling in of concepts if you go on into further study of this area.
Most appropriate for CS students.......2006-06-01
As a teacher of the subject, I have had the chance to evaluate numerous books on the theory of computation. Of all the available texts, I think this one is the most appropriate for CS students. In the past I taught out of Dexter Kozen's book, which is incredibly elegant, but had some resistance from the students. Thinking it over I decided that Kozen's text, although beautiful, may be better suited to students pursuing a degree in pure math. Sipser's book, on the other hand, is more gentle. I find that Sipser demands far less mathematical maturity from his readers, and thus allows the difficulty to be shifted from excessive formalism to the inherent challenges present in the material. In addition, following Sipser's treatment, I was able to cover finite state machines and pushdown automata in far less time, thus allowing me to concentrate on computability and beyond. The book really shines in its treatment of computability theory, eloquently directing attention to some of the most beautiful aspects.
Another benefit of Sipser's book is the exercises, of which there are many more in this edition. Someone studying on their own should find the initial group of exercises in each section quite approachable. Even the more challenging problems are not incredibly hard, and typically draw their difficulty from the deeper themes of the chapter instead of obscure details.
If you are looking for an enjoyable, well-paced book with an introduction to computability and complexity that is truly inspiring, this is the one for you. A mathematician looking for a bit more rigor may do better with Kozen.
Book Description
Introduction to Computing Systems: From bits & gates to C & beyond, now in its second edition, is designed to give students a better understanding of computing early in their college careers in order to give them a stronger foundation for later courses. The book is in two parts: (a) the underlying structure of a computer, and (b) programming in a high level language and programming methodology.
To understand the computer, the authors introduce the LC-3 and provide the LC-3 Simulator to give students hands-on access for testing what they learn. To develop their understanding of programming and programming methodology, they use the C programming language. The book takes a "motivated" bottom-up approach, where the students first get exposed to the big picture and then start at the bottom and build their knowledge bottom-up. Within each smaller unit, the same motivated bottom-up approach is followed. Every step of the way, students learn new things, building on what they already know. The authors feel that this approach encourages deeper understanding and downplays the need for memorizing. Students develop a greater breadth of understanding, since they see how the various parts of the computer fit together.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Book to Teach You the Basics of the Computer.......2007-05-06
This book is really good for learning the basics of how a computer functions. It takes you from the low-level Flip-Flops to explaining how a register and other small components of a computer work. Then the book shows you the basic components a computer, and then gives a full example in the LC-3. The LC-3 is complete with a architecture diagram and Assembly instructions. The book does a good job of of taking you through the LC-3 data path and showing how an instruction is implemented on the architecture. The book also does a good job of showing how the assembly code connects to higher level languages like C/++ or Java. It also gives a high-level explanation of exactly what a compiler does. Towards the end it gives some information on data structures and particularly as to how a stack would be implemented by the LC-3 in assembly. The book also explains how memory works and how input and output are handled in some computers.
Some problems with the book are in the C section. This book does not give a real C tutorial, there are much better guides to C programming.It doesn't really give you any instruction as to how to program in LC-3 Assembly; however, the instructions are simple enough that you should be able to figure it out. Another potential problem is the combinational logic section. This part of the book is not really comprehensive, but teaches what you need to know so that you understand how all the low-level components work; however, if you want to design your own combinational logic, then there are other books for that. Also this book does not really go into the theory of how and why they developed the LC-3 architecture as it is. It is just an intro to get you used how a computer architecture looks and how it works.
All in all a great read for a CS student or Electrical Engineer to get an idea of how a computer runs the programs written on it.
Note: I am a student at University of Illinois (Patel works here) and took a class created around this book. ECE 190 is still my favorite class I've taken to date.
Needs improvement.......2007-02-05
I was lucky enough to be taught by the professor himself--Dr. Patt. The book needs definite improvement in clarity. Too many of the concepts are abstract and ambiguous. The exercises at the end of each section are pathetic, they should be presented more in a Mathematical or Physics style and they do not flex your knowledge about what you have learned in that section. I had to rely on my TAs to explain certain concepts to me since the book did such a poor job.
However, once you master everything that this book has to offer (I strongly recommend you read the appendixes at the end of the book as collateral reading) you will truly understand how computers work at the most fundamental level.
Great book........2007-01-03
This is one of the best books I have used for a computer science course. This book is really detailed. Would really recommend getting this book and keeping it for reference.
Better Than The Teacher.......2005-12-15
I had a pretty ambiguous and boring teacher for the course that required this book so I didn't listen to her much at all in class. Instead, I just substituted the book for her lectures, and I aced the course with ease learning much about how a computer works along the way. It makes me feel a lot more competent about programming to know this stuff, and the book provides it in a pretty good way through the LC-3 architecture and sprinkles the book with examples.
I didn't read any of the "C and beyond" stuff, but everything else was spot-on. I found that most of the teacher's slides (up until a couple of last topics the book didn't cover like linking and loading) were almost identical to the book's presentation of the material. It's a pricey book, but take heart in knowing that it's not a waste of your money for what you get from it.
Intro to CS the way it should be done.......2005-05-17
This book is the implementation of what I have been trying to impart to my beginning students for years. It contains explanations of all of the ideas that make up the foundation of computer science. The first sections deal with the fundamentals of binary data, how numbers are represented, how arithmetic is performed, how the bitwise operations are executed, followed by the basics of digital logic. These ideas are then expanded into a simple assembly code with many control instructions. Staying at the assembly level, I/O operations, subroutines and stacks are demonstrated.
In chapter 11, the transition is made to higher-level languages by the introduction of C. It is then used to illustrate variables, operators, control structures, functions, pointers and arrays; recursion, I/O in C and simple data structures. The explanations are all very well done and the topics are what should be the first set encountered by a computer science major. While the level of abstraction that most programmers work at has dramatically increased over the years, there is still no substitute for being well schooled in the fundamentals. Not only does this make it easier to move up the abstraction ladder, it also makes it possible for a programmer to function at the lower level, should the need arise.
I strongly recommend this book for adoption as a text for a first course in computer science. While it is not designed to fit into the traditional mold of a first semester programming class, it will provide a much stronger foundation for the student taking their first course in CS.
Book Description
Introduction to Management Science, 2e offers a unique case study approach and integrates the use of Excel. Each chapter includes a case study that is meant to show the students a real and interesting application of the topics addressed in that chapter. This most recent revision has been thoroughly updated to be more “user-friendly” and more technologically advanced. These changes include, a completely new chapter on the art of modeling with spreadsheets. This unique chapter goes far beyond anything found in other textbooks and are based on the award winning methodologies used by Mark Hillier in his own course. The technology package has also been greatly enhanced to include, Crystal Ball 2000 (Professional Edition) a Management Science Online Learning Center, and an Excel add-in called Alver Table for performing sensitivity analysis. Crystal Ball is the most popular Excel add-in for computer simulation and includes OptQuest (an optimizer with simulation) as well as a forecasting module. The Management Science Online Learning Center (website) includes several modules that enable students to interactively explore certain management science techniques in depth. Solver Table is an Excel add-in developed by the author to help perform sensitivity analysis systematically, as well as substantially expanded coverage of computer simulation, including Crystal Ball. We now have two chapters on computer simulation instead of one, where the second chapter features the use of Crystal Ball.all.
Customer Reviews:
Great book and professor, maybe don't try this at home alone!.......2006-04-28
Echoing another reviewer this is a great book and M Hill is a great teacher. Couple of minor glitches however - some of the software should be obtained from the web not the CD as there were production problems with (some of?) the CDs - this is not a problem as most of the software has free albeit limited educational software licenses. I would be cautious about trying this stuff at home alone as a beginner however - some minor errors in spreadsheet construction can lead you badly astray. Human instructors are still value added and here especially so! However I cannot imagine a better book to use under any circumstance for someone wanting to learn about this material. Optimization is the closest thing you will ever find to getting a free lunch and this is a first class introduction
Great Professor... Great Book!.......2005-12-20
I was a student of Professor Mark Hillier and truly enjoyed both his class and his textbook. His ability to break concepts down to their simplist form is an excellent teaching tool. I recommend this textbook for all MBAs and anyone interested in optimizing a process in their life. Linear Programming is easy with this book. [...]
One of the easiest books to understand!.......2005-10-08
This book is overall very good for graduate studies. Its language is simple and explains the concepts very well.
I personally found some minor issues like:
1) Example given are too much lengthy and it takes time to come to a point.
2) Sometimes you cannot understand the questions being asked.
Overall, I recommend this book to everyone.
Non-user friendiness.......2004-05-18
Factors that contributed to a low rating for this book include, a lack of user-friendliness and lengthy case studies. The blue colored wordings (black would be better) can be quite glaring under the lights making it not smoothing to the eyes.
Furthermore, it uses long case studies which could have been shortened by cutting down on the introductions to the companies it made reference to. More focus should be given to concepts at the earlier stage of every section, instead of making the reader running through a lengthy introduction before focusing on the concepts.
Important concepts could also have been left out. One example would be the omission of 'Reduced Cost' under the chapters of Linear Programming and Integer Programming.
However, this book is certainly catered to users of MS Excel. It has in-depth discussions of Excel in areas of Management Science
Book Description
Live IT!
Information technology lives all around us--in how we communicate, how we do business, how we shop, how we learn, even how we register for classes. Smart phones, iPods, PDAs, and wireless devices dominate our lives, and yet it's all too easy to take information technology for granted.
Now, Rainer, Turban, and Potter's Introduction to Information Systems helps make information technology come alive in the classroom. This text takes students where IT lives--in today's businesses and in our daily lives--and helps them understand how valuable information technology is to their future careers. Throughout, the text connects IT to accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, and operations, so students can discover how critical IT is to each functional area and every business.
Technology to help students reach their full potential
WileyPLUS provides everything needed to create an environment where students can reach their full potential and experience the exhilaration of academic success.
With WileyPLUS, students can:
* Interact with engaging activities for each chapter, including simulations and animations that help them visualize IT processes.
* Develop IT solutions for a simulated music venue called Club IT.
* Come to class better prepared for lectures.
* Get immediate feedback and context-sensitive help on assignments and quizzes.
* Access a suite of learning resources, including a complete online version of the text.
800f students surveyed said it improved their understanding of the material.
760f students surveyed said it made them better prepared for tests.
690f students surveyed said it helped them get a better grade.
Visit www.wiley.com/college/wileyplus or contact your Wiley representative for more information.
Customer Reviews:
This is a book for MIS...!!!.......2005-12-21
This book is intended for a read on topics of MIS (Management Information Systems), a predominantly Management subject, that analyses solutions for Business challenges through the effective usage of Information Technology. Though it is titled differently, its coverage of the MIS topics is reasonably sufficient.
Excellent .......2005-10-24
The book was shipped really fast. This was a great buy for me.
Excellent service.......2003-05-27
It was incredible. I ordered it on wednesday night, it was shipped on friday and I got it during the weekend. Besides the book was new in perfect conditions! Thank you.
A textbook for college business majors (only?).......2000-11-09
If you want a general IT book then don't even think about buying this one, despite its title. This is a textbook for college business majors, and looks at things from the business angle.
The book is less suitable for non-student readers. It is geared for use by a lecturer who can draw attention to the important concepts underlying the field of IT, and can steer students to useful supplementary material.
The book races across the surface of the whole field of IT. The authors have packed in a lot of material, but at a cost. The explanations may be good enough for students to answer a quiz about the various buzzwords, but there is not enough space here to cover anything in depth. The students, and you, may be left without a clear idea of what the words really mean.
At the other end of the scale, the book struggles to make plain the broad sweep of IT concepts. Although the authors try hard, ideas tend to get lost amidst the large number of factoids.
One book is never going to be enough to cover all of IT. Your choices are to be more selective about which area you want to learn about, to pick a book which is more clearly aimed at being a simple overview, or to buy this book and work really hard at following up its leads to other material to fill in the gaps.
Book Description
O’Brien’s Introduction to Information Systems 13e continues to reflect the movement toward enterprise-wide business applications. George Marakas from the University of Kansas joins as a co-author on this new edition. New real world case studies correspond with this curriculum shift. The text’s focus is on teaching the general business manager how to use and manage the most current IT technologies such as the Internet, Intranets, and Extranets for enterprise collaboration, and how IT contributes to competitive advantage, reengineering business processes, problem solving, and decision-making.
Customer Reviews:
Good to go.......2007-04-02
Product was delivered on time and in the condition as described. Good deal.
Good general overview.......2007-02-08
I purchased this book for a college Information Systems class. It is a good general overview of IS. The negatives are: 1) it is quite repetitive, especially the beginning, 2) the case studies are general -- not in-depth. Although with the right professor and class, it will offer solid support for a mangerial overview of IS.
Introduction to Information Systems.......2006-11-10
received my item very quickly. and the book was in excellent condition
not one of my favorits.......2005-10-25
in this book every single sentence is a long,I mean very long, definition.The amount of information pressed into each single chapter is amazing. THis book claims to be an introduction to information systems, I have some backround information and still have trouble to understand this text. I would definitely not recomend this book. Please pick something else, and there are many better books out there.
Almost Impressed.......2004-04-15
I had this textbook in my MBA class at Rutgers University for Computer Info Systems class in Spring 2004. The text in the book is too small to read. They should have made the book bigger and used a more readable font. There are 4 real-life examples in each chapter, but the backround is terrible. It has a grotesque looking glass building which obscures the text. The technology they talk is somewhat out of date, and this book nearly put me to sleep. They make it sound like everything can be simplified down to a few concepts. Zzzzz
Average customer rating:
|
Introduction to Robotics in CIM Systems (5th Edition)
James A. Rehg
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Robotics
| Artificial Intelligence
| Computer Science
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
CAD
| Graphic Design
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
Robotics & Automation
| Computer Technology
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Electrical & Electronics
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Manufacturing
| Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Robotics
| Mechanical
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside Art Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Computer Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Science Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Computers & Internet
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Professional
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Science
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Programmable Logic Controllers
-
Machine Elements in Mechanical Design
-
Engineering Materials: Properties and Selection (8th Edition)
-
Introduction to Control System Technology (7th Edition)
-
Technician's Guide To Programmable Controllers
ASIN: 0130602434 |
Book Description
Written from a manufacturing perspective, this book takes readers step-by-step through the theory and application techniques of designing and building a robot-driven automated work cell—from selection of hardware through programming of the devices to economic justification of the project. All-inclusive in approach, it covers not only robot automation, but all the other technology needed in the automated work cell to integrate the robot with the work environment and with the enterprise data base. Robot and other required automation hardware and software are introduced in the order in which they would be selected in an actual industrial automation design. Includes system troubleshooting guides, case studies problems, and worked example problems. Robot Classification. Automated Work Cells and CIM Systems. End-of-Arm Tooling. Automation Sensors. Work-Cell Support Systems. Robot and System Integration. Work-Cell Programming. Justification and Applications of Work Cells. Safety. Human Interface: Operator Training, Acceptance, and Problems. For those interested in Robotics and Manufacturing Automation or Production Design.
Book Description
New from best-selling author Kathy Schwalbe, Introduction to Project Management offers a general yet concise introduction to project management. This book provides up-to-date information on how good project, program, and portfolio management can help you achieve organizational success. It includes over 50 samples of tools and techniques applied to one large project, and is suitable for all majors, including business, engineering, healthcare, and more.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent examples, great for PMP exam.......2006-02-26
This book is much shorter than my best-selling Information Technology Project Management text, now in its 4th edition, but it's still packed with great information. It follows the processes used in the new PMBOK Guide, so it will definitely help you study for the PMP exam. The best thing about this book is that instead of just talking about a lot of the documents and tools you can use when managing a project, it shows you realistic examples of them as applied to a project that is described throughout the book. There are also lots of examples of what went right and wrong based on real projects in various industries and countries, media snapshots to show how PM is used in so many aspects of our lives, cartoons, quick quizzes at the end of each chapter, discussion questions, exercises, and team projects. The companion Web site also provides templates, lots of interactive quizzes, a detailed guide to using Project 2003 or 2003, and lots of other info. Great text for an individual and especially for a general course in project management at the undergrad or graduate level.
Book Description
A complete, but less complex approach to SA&D. Introduction to Systems Analysis & Design is organized like Whitten’s best-selling Systems Analysis & Design Methods, but without the information systems architecture framework theme that overwhelms some students. Each chapter covers the same topics, but stops short of advanced details that are unnecessary to the typical first course.
Amazon.com
The newest edition of the classic An Introduction to Database Systems incorporates the latest developments in relational databases, including semantic modeling, decision support, and temporal modeling. There's better information on distributed databases, security, and the mathematics of relational databases too. With the same strong coverage of fundamental theory that made its predecessors stand out, this book ranks as the definitive textbook for those studying database systems.
This is an extraordinarily academic book. In his preface, C.J. Date goes so far as to lament having to use Structured Query Language (SQL) in some of his examples because it's "so far from being a true embodiment of relational principles." What's more, he writes in a very academic style, peppering his heavily footnoted prose with mathematical expressions and words like relevar and tuple. The academic style and highbrow language isn't a bad thing, since this book deals with complicated, largely abstract phenomena in depth.
Be aware that An Introduction to Database Systems is a far cry from the highly graphical, problem-focused books that target the community of commercial database developers, and as such requires more careful study. This book is about theories, concepts, and ideals rather than problems, solutions, and specific implementations. Per se, it will enable you to become a better database programmer--but only if you supplement it with practical guides and hands-on experience. --David Wall
Customer Reviews:
When English is a set theory.......2007-09-03
I cannot believe so many people gave this book such high ratings.
Date has no clue on writing structured English. The man has more than 4 clauses per sentence and this is not including the clauses in the brackets.
Publishers need to pay more attention when editing.
Only logically conclusion is that Date thinks in SQL and hence his English looks like SQL.
Waste of money.
A great introduction to the theory and practice of database design.......2006-07-22
This is one of the better books on the theory of database systems design. It is not meant to be a book on applications, rather it is a commonly used textbook in upper level undergraduate and graduate classes on the subject. However, this latest edition has reorganized the material somewhat and has added to its sections on XML and SQL in an attempt to show the theory through more real-world scenarios.
The book is divided into six parts. The first section sets the scene by explaining what a database is and why database systems are generally desirable. Next a general architecture for database systems is presented that serves as a framework upon which all subsequent chapters are built. Next is a broad overview of relational systems and finally there is a chapter that introduces SQL and explains how it works and why it is not a perfect language.
The second section, on the relational model, is rather long. This reflects the fact that the relational model of database systems is the foundation that makes the field a science. The author does a good job of presenting the theory along with examples of this theory as practiced in SQL. However, remember that the SQL examples are to illuminate the theory, not vice versa. The author does an exceptional job of explaining the relational calculus.
The third section is dedicated to database design, and specifically relational database design. The database design problem can be stated very simply: Given some body of data to be presented in a database, how do we decide on a logical structure for that data? This section does an exceptional job of explaining and illustrating one of the more difficult concepts in database design, that of normalization and normal forms. Database normalization is a process that eliminates redundancy, organizes data efficiently, reduces the potential for anomalies during data operations, and improves data consistency.
The fourth section, on transaction management, will be familiar to those who are involved in operating system design. This section includes methods of protecting the database against non-deliberate threats such as a system crash in the middle of program execution that leaves the database in an unpredictable state, two programs concurrently executing that interfere with one another's operation therefore producing incorrect results, and updates that might change the database in an invalid way.
The fifth section, entitled "Further Topics", tackles a number of subjects that could be the topic of a complete book by themselves. This includes protecting databases against deliberate attacks, building optimization into databases so that they work more efficiently, handling missing database information, object-oriented concepts, and logic-based databases.
The final and sixth section of the book adds information on a subject that has been missing in past editions - that of object-oriented databases. This section includes some relevant information on the use of XML in database design.
I learned database design theory from the sixth edition of this book ten years ago with no prior database design experience. I found that edition to be a clear and adequate textbook but lacking in the discussions of alternatives to the relational model which has been corrected in this eighth edition. I highly recommend this book to students and professionals who are interested in learning about the theory of modern database design. All chapters begin with an introduction and end with a summary, exercises, and bibliography, so to prevent from being repetitive I do not show those sections in the table of contents shown below:
I. PRELIMINARIES
1. An Overview of Database Management
What is a database system?; What is a database?; Why database?; Data independence; Relational systems and others;
2. Database System Architecture
The three levels of the architecture; The external level; The conceptual level; The internal level; Mappings; The database administrator; The database management system; Data communications; Client/server architecture; Utilities; Distributed processing;
3. An Introduction to Relational Databases
An informal look at the relational model; Relations and relvars; What relations mean; Optimization; The catalog; Base relvars and views; Transactions; The suppliers-and-parts database;
4. An Introduction to SQL
Overview; The catalog; Views; Transactions; Embedded SQL; Dynamic SQL and SQL/CLI; SQL is not perfect;
II. THE RELATIONAL MODEL
5. Types
Values vs Variables; Types vs Representations; Type Definition; Operators; Type generators; SQL facilities;
6. Relations
Tuples; Relation types; Relation values; Relation variables; SQL facilities;
7. Relational Algebra
Closure revisited; The original algebra: Syntax; The original algebra: Semantics; Examples; What is the algebra for?; Further points; Additional operators; Grouping and ungrouping;
8. Relational Calculus
Tuple calculus; Examples; Calculus vs. algebra; Computational capabilities; SQL facilities; Domain calculus; Query-By-Example;
9. Integrity
A closer look; Predicates and propositions; Relvar predicates and database predicates; Checking the constraints; Internal vs external constraints; Correctness vs consistency; Integrity and views; A constraint classification scheme; Keys; Triggers (a digression); SQL facilities;
10. Views
What are views for?; View retrievals; View updates; Snapshots (a digression); SQL facilities;
III. DATABASE DESIGN
11. Functional Dependencies
Basic definitions; Trivial and nontrivial dependencies; Closure of a set of dependencies; Closure of a set of attributes; Irreducible sets of dependencies;
12. Further Normalization I: 1NF, 2NF, 3NF, BCNF; Nonloss decomposition and functional dependencies; First, second, and third normal forms; Dependency preservation; Boyce/Codd normal form; A note on relation-valued attributes;
13. Further Normalization II: Higher Normal Form
Multi-valued dependencies and fourth normal form; Join dependencies and fifth normal form; The normalization procedure summarized; A note on denormalization; Orthogonal design (a digression); Other normal forms;
14. Semantic Modeling
The overall approach; The E/R model; E/R diagrams; Database design with the E/R model; A brief analysis;
IV. TRANSACTION MANAGEMENT
15. Recovery
Transactions; Transaction recovery; System recovery; Media recovery; Two-phase commit; Savepoints (a digression); SQL facilities;
16. Concurrency
Three concurrency problems; Locking; The three concurrency problems revisited; Deadlock; Serializability; Recovery revisited; Isolation levels; Intent locking; ACID dropping; SQL facilities;
V. FURTHER TOPICS
17. Security
Discretionary access control; Mandatory access control; Statistical databases; Data encryption; SQL facilities;
18. Optimization
A motivating example; An overview of query processing; Expression transformation; Database statistics; A divide-and-conquer strategy; Implementing the relational operators;
19. Missing Information
An overview of the 3VL approach; Some consequences of the foregoing scheme; Nulls and keys; Outer join (a digression); Special values; SQL facilities;
20. Type Inheritance
Type hierarchies; Polymorphism and substitutability; Variables and assignments; Specialization by constraint; Comparisons; Operators, versions, and signatures; Is a circle an ellipse? Specialization by constraint revisited; SQL facilities;
21. Distributed Databases
Some preliminaries; The twelve objectives; Problems of distributed systems; Client/server systems; DBMS independence; SQL facilities;
22. Decision Support
Aspects of decision support; Database design for decision support; Data preparation; Data warehouses and data marts; Online analytical processing; Data mining; SQL facilities;
23. Temporal Databases
What is the problem?; Intervals; Packing and unpacking relations; Generalizing the relational operators; Database work design; Integrity constraints;
24. Logic-Based Databases
Overview; Propositional calculus; Predicate calculus; A proof-theoretic view of databases; Deductive database systems; Recursive query processing;
VI. OBJECTS, RELATIONS, AND XML
25. Object Databases
Objects, classes, methods, and messages; A closer look; A cradle-to-grave example; Miscellaneous issues;
26. Object / Relational Databases
The First Great Blunder; The Second Great Blunder; Implementation issues; Benefits of true rapprochement; SQL facilities;
27. The World Wide Web and XML
The Web and the Internet; An overview of XML; XML data definition; XML data manipulation; XML and databases; SQL facilities;
APPENDIXES.
Appendix A: The TransRelational(tm) Model
Three levels of abstraction; The basic idea; Condensed columns; Merged columns; Implementing the relational operators;
Appendix B: SQL Expressions, Table Expressions, and Boolean Expressions
Appendix C: Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Symbol
Appendix D: Online storage structures and access methods, database access: an overview, page sets and files, indexing, hashing, pointer chains, and compression techniques
the database practitioner's bible.......2005-08-18
I suppose there are two potential audiences for an introductory database book. The first audience consists of developers who need to know the very basics about databases to design and implement a database computer application. For that group I would recommend Date's book, but only upon having sufficient "computer science maturity": i.e. having taken one year of programming, and possibly a course in discrete mathematics and/or data structures and algorithms. Without this maturity much of what Date writes will be very hard to appreciate if not comprehend. True, he gives numerous examples that are quite understandable, but he also spends many paragraphs discussing somewhat abstract issues to the novice that will make him or her want to skip ahead. A good example of this is the notion of thinking of a table as the current value of a relvar, or the importance of closure in the relational algebra. The paragraphs he spends on these subtle importances will frustrate the uninitiated reader.
For someone who does not believe that he or she has the maturity to handle this book, and simply wants to develop an application that requires a database, I would recommend buying a more "down-to-earth" book possibly covering the RDMS that will be used. For example, if it is MySQL, then one might want to purchase
Welling's "MySQL Tutorial" (ISBN: 0672325845) for a much gentler and user-friendly introduction (or better yet the PHP and MySQL web development book if a web application is desired).
The other audience for this book are the professionals who are in charge of managing a database and/or using a database server for an industrial-strength application. In this case, Date's book is mandatory reading. May be not all of it, but certainly Parts I-IV. Reading these parts will give the professional the needed perspective on all the considerations required for successfully using or managing a database system.
In the world of database systems, Chris Date is one of the few authors who understands the importance of every minute detail involved with successfully using and managing databases. He proves that in this book, in a style that is not only academic but also quite useful and practical (especially his chapters on the relational algebra and calculus).
Best theoretical book on Database design ever!.......2004-04-03
I read this book for training as a senior DBA consultant and enjoyed CJ Date's excellent treatise on databases. This is the ultimate book on database theory. Like another reader commented its not how to get OCP/MCDBA whatever certifications but actually will make life better in the long run as a serious DBA pro. I now actually understand the basis of complex database topics such as cursors, data models, and concurrency/locking topics that previously are skimmed over in other books and training guides. Best book for a beginner and yeah its a bit dry and academic but CJ Date writes clearly. A MUST FOR SERIOUS COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENTS!
A classic, to be read by any serious developer.......2004-01-07
Date's seminal work is critical to understanding databases - a step mostly forgotten by those who believe every concept can be taught using commercial products with brain-dead examples in under 24 hours. Date teaches the logic and theory that underlie all successful practice. You can probably buy a different book and create a mock database faster, but you will neither understand nor be able to use it well. Do yourself a favor and read this first to understand what a database is; only then can you judge the value of other books.
Average customer rating:
- CD Not usable
- Brilliant
- Comprehensive ABAP reference
- Clarification about the editions
- OOP
|
ABAP Objects: Introduction to Programming SAP Applications
Horst Keller , and
Sascha Kruger
Manufacturer: Addison-Wesley Professional
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Client-Server Systems
| Data in the Enterprise
| Networking
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
SAP R3
| Data in the Enterprise
| Networking
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Introductory & Beginning
| Programming
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
Object-Oriented Design
| Software Design, Testing & Engineering
| Programming
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Programming
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Languages & Tools
| Programming
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Business
| Software
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Software
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
Information Systems
| Software Engineering
| Computer Science
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Computers & Internet
| Subjects
| Books
Mathematics
| Professional Science
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
| Applied
| Chaos & Systems
| Geometry & Topology
| Mathematical Analysis
| Mathematical Physics
| Number Systems
| Pure Mathematics
| Transformations
| Trigonometry
All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Computers & Internet
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Professional
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
SAP Smart Forms
-
Implementing SAP R/3 Sales and Distribution
-
Sams Teach Yourself SAP in 24 Hours (2nd Edition) (Sams Teach Yourself)
-
Configuring SAP R/3 FI/CO: The Essential Resource for Configuring the Financial and Controlling Modules
-
SAP Query Reporting
ASIN: 0201750805 |
Product Description
Completely new, 3rd edition of the benchmark ABAP resource New chapters on Web Dynpro, Shared Objects, ABAP & XML, regular expressions, dynamic programming, and more Up-tp-date for SAP NetWeaver 2004s (ABAP release 7.0) Includes DVD for SAP NetWeaver 2004s ABAP Trial Version This completely revised third edition introduces you to ABAP programming with SAP NetWeaver. All concepts of modern ABAP (up to release 7.0) are covered in detail. New topics include ABAP and Unicode, Shared Objects, exception handling, Web Dynpro for ABAP, Object Services, and of course ABAP and XML. Bonus: All readers will also receive a complimentary copy of the newest Mini SAP System.
Customer Reviews:
CD Not usable.......2007-10-03
If you're planning on making use of the NetWeaver trial system, be aware that it will not install on Windows Vista. On Windows XP, the instructions on the SAP site do NOT work...the system is simply not usable...After two hours of attempting to figure out how to fix the installation, I just removed it...
In my opinion, the examples in the book are nice, but without a working system to review HOW the examples work, the book is of limited value to an SAP programmer....
Brilliant.......2007-09-07
By far the best ABAP book available. It covers the essentials of good coding using the object-oriented paradigm. If you want to be coding at a high level fast, read - no study - this book.
Comprehensive ABAP reference.......2007-08-30
I got this book last week from SAP press.i read first 5 chapters and i can say this book clearly explains all the concepts. The writers explained the differences between procedural ABAP and object oriented ABAP where ever neceessary. Also the usage of obsolete statements are marked for the reader. this will be a good book for those who have previous ABAP experience and wanted to learn the Object oriented concepts from scratch. My only problem is i cant install the software that comes with the book. its like you cant install ABAP server on Vista.Be patient and read it its a 1000+ pages book.
Clarification about the editions.......2007-07-06
The book "ABAP Objects - ABAP Programming in SAP NetWeaver" (grey Cover, 950 pages, published by SAP PRESS, March 15, 2007, ISBN-10: 1592290795 ISBN-13: 978-1592290796) is the new edition of the book "ABAP Objects: Introduction to Programming SAP Applications" (black Cover, 576 pages, published by Addison-Wesley, June 14, 2002, ISBN-10: 0201750805, ISBN-13: 978-0201750805).
The new book replaces the old book. The new book covers release 7.0 of the ABAP Application Server (former SAP Basis). The old book covers release 4.6. The software of the new book is a Trial Version of the ABAP Application Server 7.0 that is supported in the SAP Developers Network (SDN). The software of the old book is a Mini Basis 4.6 and is not supported any more.
The contents of the old book is partly out of date. The software of the old book should not be installed any more. The programming examples of the old book are still valid and can also be carried out with the software of the new book. If you have the old book and want to install the software of the new book, you can download it from the SDN.
OOP.......2007-05-15
Beware the concepts are changed clights between C++ and Java so it becomes somewhat confusing. I recommend to get the later edition from SAP PRESS.
Books:
- Java Concurrency in Practice
- Java Message Service (O'Reilly Java Series)
- Java Network Programming, Third Edition
- JavaServer Faces: The Complete Reference (Complete Reference Series)
- Mastering the Trade (McGraw-Hill Trader's Edge)
- MCSA/MCSE Managing and Maintaining a Windows Server 2003 Environment Exam Cram 2 (Exam Cram 70-292)
- MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-270): Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Second Edition
- MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-350): Implementing Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2004 (Pro-Certification)
- MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-290, 70-291, 70-293, 70-294): Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Core Requirements, Second Edition
- MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exams 70-290, 70-291, 70-293, 70-294): Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Core Requirements, Second Edition
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- A Beautiful Mind: The Life of Mathematical Genius and Nobel Laureate John Nash
- The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography
- I A S 97: Interpretation and Application of International Accounting Standards 1997
- "Planet of the Apes" Reimagined by Tim Burton
- Professional Review Guide for the CCA Examination, 2007 Edition
- The Name of the World: A Novel
- The Feasts Of The Lord God's Prophetic Calendar From Calvary To The Kingdom
- The Economics of Audit Quality: Private Incentives and the Regulation of Audit and Non-Audit Service
- Qualitative Choice Analysis: Theory, Econometrics, and an Application to Automobile Demand
- Sultana's Dream and Padmarag
Introduction to Algorithms
Computers and Intractability: A Guide to the Theory of NP-Completeness (Series of Books in the Mathematical Sciences)
Compilers: Principles, Techniques, and Tools (2nd Edition)
Operating System Concepts
Introduction to Automata Theory, Languages, and Computation (3rd Edition)
