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Edgar F. Codd

Definition

Edgar F. Codd was not a technology term, but a renowned British computer scientist, best known for his significant contributions to the field of relational database theory. He formulated the 12 principles known as ‘Codd’s 12 rules’ that define what a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) should adhere to. He was also the inventor of the relational model for database management which revolutionized the way databases function.

Phonetic

The phonetics of the keyword “Edgar F. Codd” would be “Ehd-gahr Ef Kohd”.

Key Takeaways

<ol><li>Edgar F. Codd was a British computer scientist who is best known for developing the relational model for database management. This groundbreaking theory opened the path for the creation of and advancements in relational databases that we use today.</li><li>Codd worked for IBM, where he made significant contributions to the development and understanding of database systems. His work at IBM included the development of what is now known as Codd’s 12 rules, a set of rules which define what is required from a database management system for it to be considered relational.</li><li>Not only popular in his professional realm, Codd also endeavored in authorship. He had written over a dozen papers and a highly influential book named “The Relational Model for Database Management: Version 2”, reflecting his immense knowledge in the field of relational databases.</li></ol>

Importance

Edgar F. Codd is an important figure in the field of technology primarily due to his significant contributions to database theory. He was an English computer scientist who worked for IBM. Best known for inventing the relational model for database management, this was a groundbreaking development when it was introduced in 1970 and still serves as the foundation for many relational database management systems today. These systems include popular software like MySQL, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server, showing the extensive influence of his work. Codd’s defining principles for data manipulation, known as “Codd’s 12 Rules,” also remain essential guidelines in designing and assessing database systems. His work revolutionized the way data is stored, retrieved, and organized, making his name synonymous with advancements in database technology.

Explanation

Edgar F. Codd is not a technology term, but rather the name of a pioneering computer scientist renowned for his significant contributions to database technology. Codd is famously known for developing the ‘Relational Model’ for database management which serves as the theoretical basis for relational databases. Before his model, databases were hierarchical and had a tree structure, but after Codd’s formulation, the idea shifted to a “relational” approach which enabled faster and more flexible information retrieval. The relational model allows databases to be set up and handled using a standard, universal method, irrespective of what is stored in them.Codd’s Relational Model led to the derivation of SQL (Structured Query Language), a standard programming language used in managing and manipulating databases today. His model created languages for data definition, data manipulation, as well as data control. This simplified the process of data management, serving as the foundation for many database solutions that we use in various sectors, including technology, healthcare, finance, and education, to name a few. Hence, the work of Edgar F. Codd has had an immense and enduring impact in the realm of digital data storage and manipulation.

Examples

Edgar F. Codd was a British computer scientist who has made significant contributions to the development of relational database theory. Here are three real world examples of his influence:1. SQL Databases: Codd’s theories laid the foundation for the Structured Query Language (SQL), now ubiquitously present in most major databases used in the computing world today, such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQL Server.2. Online Transaction Processing Systems: Formulated based on Codd’s relational database models, Online Transaction Processing (OLTP) Systems like Oracle, DB2, and Informix, are used in many industries, from banking and finance to healthcare and e-commerce. These systems enable a large number of users to manage data and conduct transactions simultaneously.3. Data Warehousing: Solutions like Amazon Redshift, Google BigQuery, or Microsoft Azure SQL Data warehouse are built based on Codd’s principles. These data warehousing solutions allow businesses to sort, analyze, and utilize their data efficiently, supporting decision-making and business intelligence operations.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Q: Who is Edgar F. Codd?A: Edgar F. Codd was a British computer scientist who is renowned for formulating the relational model for database management.Q: What is Edgar F. Codd best known for?A: Edgar F. Codd is best known for inventing the “relational model” for database management, a ubiquitous concept in the industry today. He also introduced the term “OLAP” (Online Analytical Processing). Q: What does the relational model by Edgar F. Codd entail?A: The relational model proposed by Edgar F. Codd allows data to be identified using values of multiple “attributes”, making it possible to sort, retrieve, or categorize data based on various attribute values. It’s become the dominant approach for database management.Q: What did Codd’s twelve rules propose?A: Codd’s twelve rules propose a set of rules that a database management system must adhere to in order to be considered truly relational. These rules cover aspects such as data presentation, transaction management, and database updates.Q: When and where was Edgar F. Codd born?A: Edgar F. Codd was born on August 19, 1923, in Fortuneswell, on the Isle of Portland, in Dorset, England.Q: What awards did Edgar F. Codd receive?A: Some significant awards received by Edgar F. Codd include the Turing Award in 1981 and the National Medal of Technology in 1991.Q: What is the significance of Edgar F. Codd’s work in the technology industry?A: Edgar F. Codd’s invention of the relational model revolutionized the database industry. It allowed for a more organized method to store and retrieve data, subsequently streamlining data management across various technological fields.Q: Did Edgar F. Codd have any work experience in the tech industry?A: Yes, after completing his Ph.D., he worked at IBM’s San Jose Research Laboratory where he introduced the fundamental concepts of the relational database model.Q: Where did Edgar F. Codd receive his education?A: Edgar F. Codd served in the Royal Air Force during World War II before earning a degree in mathematics from Exeter College, Oxford. Later, he moved to the U.S. and received his Ph.D. in communication sciences from the University of Michigan.Q: When did Edgar F. Codd pass away?A: Edgar F. Codd passed away on April 18, 2003, in Williams Island, Florida.

Related Finance Terms

  • Relational Database Model
  • Structured Query Language (SQL)
  • Codd’s 12 Rules
  • Normalization
  • Tuple Relational Calculus

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