JCC Seminar Description

Relational databases form a powerful tool of current computing technologies. They provide extreme flexibility in data retrieval and allow for dynamic changes to data definitions.

This seminar concentrates on the implementation of a database using Oracle Rdb and SQL. This seminar is divided into four major sections: Introduction and Context, SQL Language, Program Interfaces, and Creating and Maintaining Databases. These include the following modules:

Introduction and Context This section provides the context for the rest of the seminar. It includes discussions of the database requirements that affect the SQL language, an overview of the SQL standards, and the database environment provided in the Rdb/VMS product.

SQL Data Manipulation Language The DML is the set of commands used to access data in an Rdb database. This section introduces those commands and presents examples of the commands accessing data in the Rdb sample database.

SQL Data Definition Language The DDL is the set of commands used to define an Rdb database. This section introduces those commands and presents examples of their use in the definition of various databases.

SQL Syntax and Scoping The SQL language is quite rich in its ability to express queries. This richness often leads to confusion in the formation of queries and to misunderstandings of what those queries mean. You will learn about the SQL syntax and scoping rules and learn good habits for forming and structuring SQL queries.

Program Interfaces In this section you will learn about the various SQL mechanisms an application program can employ to access data, both in Rdb databases and other storage mechanisms. Emphasis is given to handling database exceptions, and the tradeoffs of the various program inter­faces.

Embedded SQL In this module, you will learn about embedding SQL in host language programs.

The Module Language In this module you will learn how to use the SQL module language to accomplish database access. You will also learn how to form and structure SQL modules.

Dynamic SQL In this module you will learn how to use dynamic SQL to build flexible programs.

SQL Services In this module you will learn how to use SQL services to access SQL databases both on local and remote machines.

Creating and Maintaining Databases This section discusses the issues of creating and maintaining a database using SQL in an Rdb/VMS environment. Modules are included on the data model, constraints, access control, and creating a database.

Database Administration Issues Rdb databases require management just as do other DBMSes. This section provides an overview of the Rdb database administration issues within a VMS environment.

Revision Control All applications should employ good revision control and tracking techniques. You will learn how to make effective use of the CDD to accomplish this and also learn techniques for utilizing the CDD for Rdb applications.

Performance Issues As with any computer application, there are many considerations and trade­offs when working with an Rdb database. This section presents such topics as locking contention, index design and system parameters. Because of the level of this course, performance topics are covered in only a cursory fashion.