The second edition of the best-selling Inside Relational Databases is revised and updated to bring you the most reader-friendly explanation of the relational model and its importance to database designers and builders. By far the majority of modern database management systems are based on the relational model: understanding the model lets you avoid the pitfalls that lead to flawed databases. Of equal benefit to users of Access, SQL Server, DB2 and Oracle, Bill and I show you how an understanding of the relational model can make your databases faster and much more flexible, using examples rather than equations and figures rather than formulae.

If any of the terms below have started to appear in your life and their meaning and relevance is elusive, this book is for you:

• Normalization
• Nulls
• Primary and foreign keys
• Joins
• Relationships
• Domains
• Referential integrity
• Transactions
• Row/page locking
• Indexing
• Client-server databases
• Logical, physical and entity relationship modelling (ERM)

Inside Relational Databases not only explains these terms and concepts but also puts them into the context of designing a relational database so that you can understand what they are and why they are important. For the 2nd edition, the entire book has been revised and extensively expanded to include material of interest to those creating complex multi-user databases.

Dr Mark Whitehorn has gained an extensive understanding of relational database theory and has an enthusiastic style of communication that is ideally suited to shedding light on this complex topic. His popular and long running database column in the UK’s Personal Computer World has already made database theory accessible to thousands of people.

Bill Marklyn has an intimate knowledge of relational theory and was the Development Manager who oversaw the entire design of the first two major releases of Microsoft’s highly successful RDBMS, Access.

Together they make a great team, illuminating a tricky subject with substance and style.

And now quotes from the back cover, none of which I wrote - really.

"Quite simply - superb. By making relational databases understandable, Mark Whitehorn and Bill Marklyn have achieved far more than most. Making the subject interesting and entertaining as well puts these two authors firmly in a class of their own.” Neil Fawcett, Group Technical Editor, VNU Business Publications

“Inside Relational Databases is excellent. It is clearly and concisely written and full of humourous asides which ease the reader through an otherwise weighty topic. Probably the most engaging technical book I have read.” Paul McGowan

“As a result of ordering and studying your excellent book, Inside Relational Databases, it is now required reading for all my students. This e mail is simply to say thank you for a superb and understandable publication. I've learned a lot from it, and I'm sure my delegates will too.” Ian Wilshaw