Is Functional Dependency Theory Practical?

Ken Evans — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:03:18 GMT

I am a student on Prof Jennifer Widom's course "Introduction to Databases" which has a section on "Relational Design Theory". This section contains videos that explain the method called "Functional Dependency Theory". (FDT)

Two of the course videos are available on YouTube: Functional Dependencies and Boyce Codd Normal Form

As presented, one starts a functional depencency analysis with something called a "mega relationship" and then one uses FDT to "decompose" the mega-relationship down to Boyce-Codd Normal Form or Fourth Normal Form.

Whilst I am sure that there are many questions related to FDT, here are two questions that come to my mind:

1. Where does the "mega-relation" come from in the first place?
2. What procedure is used to validate the mega-relation with the domain experts before one starts the decomposition process.

If anyone reading this thread has had any experience of using FDT to design a relational schema, it would be good to hear about the advantages and disadvantages.

Database Driven Forum Design

Ken Evans — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 19:59:05 GMT

The database course currently being run by Professor Jennifer Widom of Stanford University (CA) uses the Piazza Forum for student interactions.

I'm presently enrolled on this excellent course and am aware that several students have been discussing the topic of forum design.

I posted this message as a simple example of the way ORM Foundation forum works. If anyone wants to comment, please feel free to do so.

Database Education

Is Functional Dependency Theory Practical?

Database Driven Forum Design