Avoiding overly large blocks of code used in most other database programming books, this book shows a simple and easy way to create database programs and explains how to build professional and practical databases more efficiently. In addition to Design Tools and Wizards, the runtime object method is also discussed and analyzed to let users design and implement more sophisticated data-driven applications with complicated coding techniques. Three popular database systems - Microsoft Access, SQL Server 2005, and Oracle Database 10g Express Edition (XE) - are discussed in detail, with practical examples and sample projects. This book will appeal to college students, programmers, and software engineers alike. Sample code and additional exercise questions for students, as well as solutions and lecture slides for instructors, are available via the Web (www.cambridge.org/9780521712354).