Introduction to Constraint Databases

Differing from other books on the subject, this one uses the framework of constraint databases to provide a natural and powerful generalization of relational databases. An important theme running through the text is showing how relational databases can smoothly develop into constraint databases, without sacrificing any of the benefits of relational databases whilst gaining new advantages. Peter Revesz begins by discussing data models and how queries may be addressed to them. From here, he develops the theory of relational and constraint databases, including Datalog and the relational calculus, concluding with three sample constraint database systems -- DISCO, DINGO, and RATHER. Advanced undergraduates and graduates in computer science will find this a clear introduction to the subject, while professionals and researchers will appreciate this novel perspective on their subject. Constraint databases provide extra expressive power over relational databases in a largely hidden way at the data-storage or physical level. Constraints, such as linear or polynomial equations, are used to represent large sets in a compact manner. They keep the view of the database for a user or application programmer almost as simple as in relational databases.
"Introduction to Constraint Databases" comprehensively covers both constraint-database theory and several sample systems. The book reveals how constraint databases bring together techniques from a variety of fields, such as logic and model theory, algebraic and computational geometry, and symbolic computation, to the design and analysis of data models and query languages. Constraint databases are shown to be powerful and simple tools for data modeling and querying in application areas¿such as environmental modeling, bioinformatics, and computer vision--that are not suitable for relational databases. Specific applications are examined in geographic information systems, spatiotemporal data management, linear programming, genome databases, model checking of automata, and other areas.
Topics and features:
Offers a database perspective and a focus on simplicity at the user level
Utilizes simple tools for determining whether queries are safe or not
Incorporates scientist-supplied descriptions of applications
Explains constraint databases from a developer's viewpoint
Provides extensive exercise sets, and sample software systems, that facilitate rapid learning of the topic within a real-world software context
This volume presents a comprehensive introduction to the
theory and applications of constraint database systems, which provide new methods for the design of data models and query languages. It is an essential resource for advanced students, practitioners, and professionals in computer science, database systems, and information systems.

Infinite Relational Databases.- Constraint Databases.- Relational Algebra and SQL.- Datalog Queries.- Aggregation and Negation Queries.- Constraint Automata.- Refinement Queries.- Safe Query Languages.- Evaluation of Queries.- Computational Complexity.- Certification.- Implementation Methods.- Spatiotemporal Databases.- Interoperability.- Approximation by Constraints.- Data Visualization.- Indexing.- The MLPQ System.- The DISCO System.- The PReSTO System.- Computer Vision.- Bioinformatics.- Environmental Modeling.