Half a century after they were first described, relational database systems remain by far the most popular choice for the storage of large datasets. The book describes the practical and theoretical reasons why this is so, and goes on to show how to analyse a data requirement and use it to design and develop a database. Through a series of practical exercises, it teaches SQL using a freely downloadable database system (SAP SQL Anywhere (TM) for Windows 7 and above, MacOS 10.9 and above, and Linux)

It is aimed principally at software engineers aiming to make a first move into SQL programming or database management, students of computing or computer science where an understanding of SQL/relational databases may be a prerequisite for the courses they are following or plan to follow, and technical managers needing a grasp of SQL/relational databases.

The author taught the subject for more than two decades, as a course tutor for the UK Open University. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.