Constraint databases provide extra expressive power over relational databases in a largely hidden way. They keep the view of the database for a user or application programmer almost as simple as in relational databases. At the data-storage or physical level constraints, such as linear or polynomial equations, are used to represent infinite sets in a compact manner.
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.
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This new text/reference 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 system.