C.J. Date

C.J. Date is a renowned database specialist and author who has written extensively about relational database technology since the 1970s. His work has been instrumental in explaining and building upon E.F. Codd's relational model of data. "An Introduction to Database Systems," first published in 1975, is Date's most influential work and has become a standard text in computer science education. He has authored over 30 books on database management and design, earning recognition as one of the foremost authorities in relational database theory. Date worked at IBM during the early development of relational database technology and later became an independent author, lecturer, and researcher. His collaboration with Hugh Darwen led to several significant publications about database design principles and the development of Tutorial D, a teaching language for database concepts. Through his writing and teaching, Date has consistently advocated for precision in database terminology and proper implementation of relational principles. His contributions have helped shape modern understanding of database management systems and continue to influence database education and practice.

Readers value Date's technical precision and depth in explaining database concepts, particularly in "An Introduction to Database Systems." Many cite his thorough treatment of relational theory and SQL. Positive comments focus on: - Clear explanations of complex topics - Rigorous mathematical foundations - Comprehensive coverage of database fundamentals - Strong theoretical background without oversimplifying Common criticisms include: - Dense, academic writing style - Can be difficult for beginners - Some examples feel dated - Textbook prices are high On Goodreads, "Database in Depth" averages 3.9/5 from 156 ratings. "An Introduction to Database Systems" has 4.1/5 from 892 ratings. Amazon reviews average 4.2/5 across his works. One reader noted: "Date explains concepts other authors gloss over." Another commented: "Not for casual reading - requires focused study time." Some readers suggest starting with more basic texts before tackling Date's work, calling his books "reference material" rather than tutorials.

An Introduction to Database Systems - A comprehensive textbook covering fundamental concepts of database management systems, relational algebra, and data modeling.

Database Design and Relational Theory: Normal Forms and All That Jazz - An in-depth exploration of database normalization and relational database design principles.

SQL and Relational Theory: How to Write Accurate SQL Code - A detailed examination of SQL programming within the framework of relational theory.

Database in Depth: Relational Theory for Practitioners - A focused study of relational database theory aimed at database professionals and practitioners.

The New Relational Database Dictionary - A comprehensive reference guide defining terms and concepts in relational database technology.

View Updating and Relational Theory - An analysis of the view updating problem in relational databases and proposed solutions.

Type Inheritance and Relational Theory - An examination of type inheritance and its implementation in relational database systems.

Logic and Databases: The Roots of Relational Theory - A study of the logical foundations underlying relational database theory.

Temporal Data and the Relational Model - An exploration of temporal database management and its integration with relational database principles.

What Not How: The Business Rules Approach to Application Development - An examination of business rules and their role in application development.