The relational database has become the dominant model for the storage and retrieval of record-oriented data in commerce, industry, science, education, government and many other areas. As the use of these systems grows, more and more emphasis is placed upon their sound design and efficient use. This text provides coverage of all design and implementation issues concerning relational databases. Assuming no previous knowledge of the subject, it begins with a discussion of the database approach, together with its advantages and architecture. The life cycle of a typical system is explained and entity-relationship modelling is covered. There is comprehensive treatment of relational representation and normalization as well as an exposition on the query language SQL, illustrated by many clear and well documented examples. The issue of database administration is included and the book concludes with a chapter on the essential matters of database recovery and concurrency.