Relational Playground: Teaching the Duality of Relational Algebra and SQL

TL;DR

Relational Playground is an educational tool that helps students understand the connection between relational algebra and SQL, bridging the gap between query writing and query processing in databases.

Contribution

The paper introduces Relational Playground, a novel interactive tool that enhances understanding of relational algebra and SQL for students in data management courses.

Findings

Improves student comprehension of query processing

Facilitates hands-on exploration of relational algebra and SQL

Bridges theoretical and practical aspects of database queries

Abstract

Students in introductory data management courses are often taught how to write queries in SQL. This is a useful and practical skill, but it gives limited insight into how queries are processed by relational database engines. In contrast, relational algebra is a commonly used internal representation of queries by database engines, but can be challenging for students to grasp. We developed a tool we call Relational Playground for database students to explore the connection between relational algebra and SQL.