Course description

A modern database system is a collection of interrelated facts, recorded on digital media, and a set of computer programs to access those facts. These days, databases crop up almost everywhere: spreadsheets, electronic mail, cellular phones, personal digital assistants, flight-reservation systems, and many other places. This course attempts to shed light on why and how our society has become so dependent on information processing. We examine software and hardware techniques that lead to the efficient storage and retrieval of information. Topics include the relational model, SQL, the object-relational model, ACID properties, and more. We will develop Web-accessible database applications using PHP and open-source database software.

Breaking news

(12/10) The programming assignment has been updated to link to the files demonstrated in class on Thursday (12/8).

(12/09)The latest assignment has been posted.