NORMALDB – A Logic-Based Interactive e-Learning Tool for Database Normalization and Denormalization

摘要

This paper introduces the design and development of an e-learning tool, NORMALDB, that teaches normalization and denormalization phases of database design. What characterizes and makes unique this tool is that it smoothly integrates two entirely diverse paradigms: at the internal level, an intelligent layer based on logic rules in Prolog implements the normalization and denormalization of a given database, whereas at the external level, the user may friendly interact with the tool through a common Web interface, and not concerned with the complexity of the tool internally. Using this tool, students may stepwise exercise and explore the whole process of normalization and denormalization, which otherwise constitute an important but troublesome phase of database design.