What is a database?

an optimized black-box for storing and accessing structured data

Talk coverage

• an interactive database application example - the world's fastest seating chart
• database tables and column types
• when and why to use a database instead of a file
• relational databases
• database normal forms
• an exercise in table organization and optimization
• SQL language syntax
• how you can access your database
• different database vendors and table types

Talk limitations

• will only cover databases which speak SQL (Structured Query Language)
• will only cover standard structured databases which are table oriented
• I know little about the "magic" within the black-box
• I know little of databases and database vendors other than MySQL
• I know little about the "join"ing of tables - inner products, cross products
• I am unfamiliar with the variety of table types and storage engines