Email the Author
You can use this page to email Joseph Clark about Relating to the Database.
About the Book
This book is intended as a first introduction to relational databases or for those who have a little experience to review the fundamentals of data modeling and SQL. It may be suitable as a textbook for a university course. In particular, it may be a good supplement for one of those overpriced, theory-heavy textbooks that universities like to assign. Due to its low price and its focus on practical data modeling patterns, students may use this book for additional practice and self-study.
Also, as far as I know, it's the only such textbook to use PostgreSQL as the database of choice for examples. PostgreSQL or "Postgres" is an increasingly popular, free and open source database that runs on all the major platforms (Windows, Mac OS, Linux), making it a great choice for the classroom or independent learner.
I would appreciate feedback on this draft! Feel free to read the manuscript online for free and leave comments.
About the Author
Joseph W. Clark, Ph.D. has researched and taught information systems and data analytics topics since 2006, most recently at the University of Maine. He was one of the first generation of Web developers in the 1990s, and has been fascinated with databases and data modeling since he first learned how relational databases could power dynamic websites, around 1999. His academic interests lately have been at the intersection of data analytics and entrepreneurship, and new types of workflows such as Agile, Lean, and Design Thinking. His most ambitious project yet is raising four children with his beautiful wife, Xiaofang.