Overview

The goal of this class is two-fold. First, to introduce you to core database concepts (e.g., data modeling, logical design, SQL) so that you too can build a billion dollar application. Second, to teach enough about database engine internals (e.g., physical database design, query optimization, transaction processing) so you have a good sense of why queries may be running slowly/incorrectly.

Advanced Assignments There will several optional extra-credit assignments that will dive deeper into concepts introduced in class. Some of them will involve extending a simple Python-based database engine with additional functionality! They are labeled AA# in the schedule. There is no obligation to do these, but they are available if you want to do then in addition to, or in lieu of the normal assignments.

Automated Exercises/resources

Developed for W4111

• Transaction scheduling
• Join optimization problem generator
• Want more functional dependencies? How about 100! Functional Dependency Problem Generator

Developed by others:

• An external Relation Algebra calculator that might help you write and understand relational algebra.
• Here is a link to another DB course’s database recovery simulator (ARIES protocol). It is more in depth than what we discussed in class, but is nice if you are interested in the details.

Announcements

• Midterm 2 solutions are out.
• (4/27) Updated functional dependencies slides and clarification to reflect accurate decomposition.
• Clarification about Functional Dependencies and Decomposition
• AA4 is out!
• Project2 is out
• Sign up for a Project 1 Part 3 demo meeting with your mentor here.
• HW4 is out.
• AA3 extended to monday 4/8 10AM
• Midterm 1 questions and solutions are out.
• Project 1 Part 2 extended to Friday, Mar 15th at 10AM
• HW2 solution is out.
• HW3 is out.

Schedule