Abstract: In this paper, we describe a Relational Algebra Query Language (RAQL) and Relational Algebra Query (RAQ) software product we have developed that allows database instructors to teach relational algebra through programming. Instead of defining query operations using mathematical notation--the approach commonly taken in database textbooks--students write RAQL query programs as sequences of relational algebra function calls. The RAQ software allows RAQL programs to be run interactively, so that students can view the intermediate result tables. Thus, students can learn relational algebra in manner similar to learning SQL--by writing code and watching it run.

Keywords: Database, query, relational algebra, programming, SQL

Download this article: ISEDJ - V9 N5 Page 18.pdf

Recommended Citation: McMaster, K., Sambasivam, S., Anderson, N. (2011). A Relational Algebra Query Language For Programming Relational Databases . Information Systems Education Journal, 9(5) pp 18-26. http://isedj.org/2011-9/ ISSN: 1545-679X. (A preliminary version appears in The Proceedings of ISECON 2010)