Data base systems [Readings]

In general, it can be said that there exists a large body of technical literature that covers a wide spectrum of problems related to the new and very important field of data base systems. There is no doubt that the relational data base approach provides a scientific foundation and a sound engineering discipline. In addition, it provides a theory for data analysis and data structuringa s well as a badly needed formalism in this highly significant area of computer science. A considerable literature has been generated by the very fact that the relational approach provides a scientific discipline in a field that has been governed by a haphazard approach for a long time. However, too many papers present concepts that may never go beyond the realm of academic interest. Despite the existence of some small-scale (experimental) implementations, additional evidence is needed to indicate the practicality and feasibility of such an approach in a large-scale data base environment.