CONTENTS

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Preface

  1      Rdb/VMS Overview

  1.1     Understanding Relational Database Concepts

  1.2     Rdb/VMS Features
    1.2.1      Ease of Use
    1.2.2      Data Integrity and Consistency
    1.2.3      High Availability
    1.2.4      Flexibility in Location of Data
    1.2.5      Speedy Access to Data
    1.2.6      Centralized Database Management

  1.3     Accessing Rdb/VMS Using SQL

  1.4     Accessing Rdb/VMS Using RDO, RDML, and RDBPRE

  1.5     Accessing Rdb/VMS from Platforms Other Than VMS Using SQL/Services

  1.6     Maintaining and Tuning Rdb/VMS Databases with RMU

  1.7     Rdb/VMS Product Kits

  1.8     Using Rdb/VMS with Other Digital Products

  2      Getting Started with SQL

  2.1     Invoking and Exiting Interactive SQL

  2.2     Using Online Help for Rdb/VMS

  2.3     Creating the Sample Database

  2.4     Using Interactive SQL
    2.4.1      Attaching to the Sample Database
    2.4.2      Displaying Information About the Sample Database
    2.4.3      Ending Interactive SQL Statements
    2.4.4      Retrieving Data Using SQL SELECT Statements
    2.4.5      Joining Data from Multiple Tables
    2.4.6      Isolating Unique Values
    2.4.7      Inserting Data into the Sample Database
    2.4.8      Updating Data in the Sample Database
    2.4.9      Using Cursors
    2.4.10     Deleting Data from the Sample Database
    2.4.11     Committing or Rolling Back Changes to the Database

  2.5     Using SQL Statements in Programs
    2.5.1      Using SQL Module Language
    2.5.2      Using Precompiled SQL
    2.5.3      Using Dynamic SQL

  2.6     Using the SQL Online Program Examples

  3      Creating, Loading, and Maintaining Rdb/VMS Databases

  3.1     Designing a Relational Database
    3.1.1      Analyzing Requirements for the Database
    3.1.2      Developing the Conceptual Design
    3.1.3      Developing the Logical Design
    3.1.4      Developing the Physical Design
    3.1.5      Implementing the Database

  3.2     Creating a Database Using SQL
    3.2.1      Creating Data Dictionary Directories
    3.2.2      Defining Logical Names for the Database Files
    3.2.3      Creating the Physical Database
    3.2.4      Creating Domains
    3.2.5      Creating Tables
    3.2.6      Assigning Tables and Indexes to Storage Areas
    3.2.7      Creating More Sorted Indexes
    3.2.8      Creating Triggers

  3.3     Journaling Database Updates

  3.4     Loading Data into a Database
    3.4.1      Loading Data Using the SQL Module Processor
    3.4.2      Loading Data Using the RMU/LOAD Command

  3.5     Modifying Rdb/VMS Databases

  3.6     Maintaining Rdb/VMS Databases
    3.6.1      Saving Copies of Your Database
    3.6.2      Restoring Your Database
    3.6.3      Moving Databases and Database Files
    3.6.4      Copying a Database

  4      Rdb/VMS Documentation Directory

  EXAMPLES

  3-1        Loading Data Using a C Program to Call an SQL Module

  3-2        Loading Data Using an SQL Module

  FIGURES

  1-1        A Table and Its Columns and Rows

  1-2        The CURRENT_SALARY View

  1-3        Components of Rdb/VMS

  1-4        SQL/Services Architecture

  1-5        Products That Provide Access to Rdb/VMS Databases

  1-6        Products That Improve the Performance of Rdb/VMS Databases

  1-7        Products That Provide Access to Other Databases

  3-1        Five Stages of Database Design

  3-2        Entities, Attributes, and Relationships

  3-3        Tables and Columns After Normalization

  4-1        VAX Rdb/VMS Documentation Map, Part 1

  4-2        VAX Rdb/VMS Documentation Map, Part 2

  4-3        VAX Rdb/VMS Documentation Map, Part 3

  TABLES

  3-1        Physical Design Expertise as Required by Database Size and Complexity