This book, which gives comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of the fundamentals of database systems, has rapidly become one of the leading texts in the field owing to its coherent explanations and practical flavour. The new edition has been reorganized to allow more flexibility in the way the course is taught. Now, instructors can easily choose whether they would like to teach a course which emphasises database application development or one that stresses database systems issues. More applications and examples have been added throughout, including more SQL and more Oracle examples. There are also two new chapters on internet applications. The book is accompanied by an extensive website, including PowerPoints, solutions, additional Oracle exercises and minibase software. - Emphasis is on the physical aspects of databases, including a chapter entitled Physical Database Design and Tuning. - In-depth treatment of SQL. Not only does Ramakrishnan have an extensive chapter on SQL, but he also uses SQL throughout the book to demonstrate important concepts. - An overview chapter is provided at the beginning of each of the parts that cover systems. This allows the instructor the flexibili