Computer-aided tool for the teaching of relational algebra in data base courses

This article describes the design and implementation of computer-aided tool called Relational Algebra Translator (RAT) in data base courses, for the teaching of relational algebra. There was a problem when introducing the relational algebra topic in the course EIF 211 Design and Implementation of Databases, which belongs to the career of Engineering in Information Systems of the National University of Costa Rica, because students attending this course were lacking profound mathematical knowledge, which led to a learning problem, being this an important subject to understand what the data bases search and request do RAT comes along to enhance the teaching-learning process.It introduces the architectural and design principles required for its implementation, such as: the language symbol table, the gramatical rules and the basic algorithms that RAT uses to translate from relational algebra to SQL language. This tool has been used for one periods and has demonstrated to be effective in the learning-teaching process.  This urged investigators to publish it in the web site: www.slinfo.una.ac.cr in order for this tool to be used in other university courses.

Information Analysis and Databases

Means to automate the fact replace the man in their job functions for a man and machines automatic mechanism, ie documentary specialists in computer and computers are the cornerstone of any modern system of documentation and information. From this point of view immediately raises the problem of deciding what resources should be applied to solve the specific problem in each specific case. We will not let alone to propose quick fixes or recipes in order to decide what to do in any case. The solution depends on repeat for each particular problem. What we want is to move some points that can serve as a basis for reflection to help find the best solution possible, once the problem is defined correctly. The first thing to do before starting any automated system project is to define exactly the domain you want to cover and assess with greater precision possible importance.

Modelos, lenguajes y abstracción (ING)

Every construction process (whatever buildings, machines, software, etc.) requires first to make a model of the artifact that is going to be built. This model should be based on a paradigm or meta-model, which defines the basic modeling elements: which real world concepts can be represented, which relationships can be established among them, and son on. There also should be a language to represent, manipulate and think about that model. Usually this model should be redefined at various levels of abstraction. So both, the paradigm an the language, must have abstraction capacity. In this paper I characterize the relationships that exist between these concepts: model, language and abstraction. I also analyze some historical models, like the relational model for databases, the imperative programming model and the object oriented model. Finally, I remark the need to teach that model-driven approach to students, and even go further to higher level models, like component models o business models.