Volume 6
Volume 6, Number 9 |
February 7, 2008 |
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Kirby McMaster
Nicole Anderson
Ashley Blake
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Abstract: This paper describes how relational algebra and relational calculus can be taught using a programming approach. This is in contrast to the mathematical presentation of these topics in most database textbooks. For relational algebra, a function library implemented with Visual FoxPro allows queries to be written as a sequence of function calls--one call per relational algebra operation. For relational calculus, Prolog can be used to write non-procedural programs for queries. In each programming environment, database students experience the power and versatility of these query languages by watching their programs run. In doing so, they gain a greater understanding of the relational model and SQL.
Keywords: query language, relational algebra, relational calculus, predicate
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Recommended Citation: McMaster, Anderson, and Blake (2008). Teaching Relational Algebra and Relational Calculus: A Programming Approach. Information Systems Education Journal, 6 (9). http://isedj.org/6/9/. ISSN: 1545-679X. (A preliminary version appears in The Proceedings of ISECON 2006: §2125. ISSN: 1542-7382.)