Find out how to create and maintain powerful databases -- it's easy with this book! Databases are the best tools ever invented for keeping track of the things users care about. Understanding databases and SQL gives you tremendous power to access the information you need. This book shows you how to use DBMS to define, administer, and process databases and their associated applications. It shows programmers how to incorporate SQL into programs for powerful data manipulation and retrieval, including operation on non-text objects such as graphical images and sound files. It helps you take advantage of SQL's rich assortment of tools and powerful new object-relational features to snag all the information you need from your databases quickly and easily.