Teaching Data Models with TriQL

Abdussalam Alawini, Leyao Zhou, Lujia Kang, Peilin Rao, Ping Che Ho

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

With the abundance of database systems implementing various data models, such as the relational, graph, and document-oriented models, learners often find it challenging to understand the trade-offs between different data models and to decide which database system they should learn and why. Additionally, most introductory database courses focus on the predominant relational model for teaching database design and programming, and do not discuss other emerging databases. While the relational database systems still play a vital role in modern data systems, especially with the emergence of NewSQL, it is crucial to introduce students to databases implementing other data models. In this paper, we introduce TriQL, a system for helping novices learn the schema and query languages of three major database systems, including MySQL (a relational database), Neo4J (a graph database), and MongoDB (a document-oriented database). TriQL offers learners a graphical user interface to design and execute a query against a generic database schema without requiring them to have any database programming experience. TriQL follows an interactive approach to learning new database models, supporting a dynamic and agile learning environment that can be easily integrated into database labs and homework assignments.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 1st ACM SIGMOD International Workshop on Data Systems Education
Subtitle of host publicationBridging Education Practice with Education Research, DataEd 2022
EditorsEfthimia Aivaloglou, George Fletcher, Daphne Miedema
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery
Pages16-21
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781450393508
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 12 2022
Event1st ACM SIGMOD International Workshop on Data Systems Education: Bridging Education Practice with Education Research, DataEd 2022, co-located with the ACM SIGMOD Conference - Virtual, Online, United States
Duration: Jun 17 2022 → …

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 1st ACM SIGMOD International Workshop on Data Systems Education: Bridging Education Practice with Education Research, DataEd 2022

Conference

Conference1st ACM SIGMOD International Workshop on Data Systems Education: Bridging Education Practice with Education Research, DataEd 2022, co-located with the ACM SIGMOD Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityVirtual, Online
Period6/17/22 → …

Keywords

  • MongoDB
  • Neo4J
  • SQL
  • database education

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software
  • Hardware and Architecture

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