Time and Relational Theory: Temporal Databases in the Relational Model and SQL

Time and Relational Theory provides an in-depth description of temporal database systems, which provide special facilities for storing, querying, and updating historical and future data. Traditionally, database management systems provide little or no special support for temporal data at all. This situation is changing because:

Cheap storage enables retention of large volumes of historical data in data warehousesUsers are now faced with temporal data problems, and need solutions Temporal features have recently been incorporated into the SQL standard, and vendors have begun to add temporal support to their DBMS products

Based on the groundbreaking text Temporal Data & the Relational Model (Morgan Kaufmann, 2002) and new research led by the authors, Time and Relational Theory is the only book to offer a complete overview of the functionality of a temporal DBMS. Expert authors Nikos Lorentzos, Hugh Darwen, and Chris Date describe an approach to temporal database management that is firmly rooted in classical relational theory and will stand the test of time.

This book covers the SQL:2011 temporal extensions in depth and identifies and discusses the temporal functionality still missing from SQL.

Understand how the relational model provides an ideal basis for taming the complexities of temporal databases Learn how to analyze and evaluate commercial temporal products with this timely and important information Be able to use sound principles in designing and using temporal databases Understand the temporal support recently added to SQL with coverage of the new SQL features in this unique, accurate, and authoritative reference Appreciate the benefits of a truly relational approach to the problem with this clear, user friendly presentation

PART I A REVIEW OF RELATIONAL CONCEPTS 1: Types and Relations 2: Relational Algebra 3: Relation Variables

PART II LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS 4: Time and the Database 5: What’s the Problem? 6: Intervals 7: Interval Operators 8: The EXPAND and COLLAPSE Operators 9: The PACK and UNPACK Operators I: The Single-Attribute Case 10: The PACK and UNPACK Operators II: The Multiattribute Case 11: Generalizing the Algebraic Operators

PART III BUILDING ON THE FOUNDATIONS 12: Database Design I: Structure 13: Database Design II: Keys and Related Constraints 14: Database Design III: General Constraints 15: Queries 16: Updates 17: Stated Time and Logged Time 18: Point and Interval Types Revisited

PART IV SQL SUPPORT 19: The SQL Standard