# Christopher J. Date > British database researcher (born 1941) **Wikidata**: [Q93008](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q93008) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_J._Date) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/christopher-j-date ## Summary Christopher J. Date is a British computer scientist and database researcher born in 1941. He is best known for his contributions to database theory and relational database management systems, particularly through his work at IBM. His research has shaped foundational principles in data management and influenced the development of database technologies. ## Biography - Born: January 18, 1941, in Watford, United Kingdom - Nationality: United Kingdom - Education: - Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from the University of Cambridge (1962) - Attended The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe - Known for: Pioneering work in database theory and relational database systems - Employer(s): IBM (1967–1983) - Field(s): Computer science, database research ## Contributions Christopher J. Date's work at IBM during the 1960s and 1970s laid the groundwork for modern database systems. He co-authored key papers on relational database theory, including foundational concepts that later influenced the development of SQL (Structured Query Language). His research emphasized the importance of data integrity, normalization, and relational algebra, which became cornerstones of database design. Date's contributions helped establish relational databases as the dominant paradigm in data management, shaping industries from finance to healthcare. His writings, such as *An Introduction to Database Systems* (1983), remain essential textbooks in computer science education. ## FAQs ### Q: What is Christopher J. Date known for? A: Christopher J. Date is known for his pioneering work in database theory, particularly his contributions to relational database systems and normalization principles, which are foundational to modern data management. ### Q: Where did Christopher J. Date work? A: Date worked at IBM from 1967 to 1983, where he conducted groundbreaking research in database systems that influenced the development of SQL and relational database technologies. ### Q: What educational background does Christopher J. Date have? A: Date earned a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from the University of Cambridge in 1962 and attended The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe. ### Q: What impact did Christopher J. Date have on computer science? A: Date's work shaped the development of relational databases, influencing the creation of SQL and establishing normalization as a critical principle in data management. ### Q: What are some notable publications by Christopher J. Date? A: Date is the author of *An Introduction to Database Systems* (1983), a foundational textbook in database theory, and has contributed to numerous academic papers on relational database concepts. ## Why They Matter Christopher J. Date's contributions to database theory have had a profound and lasting impact on computer science and industry. His work at IBM established the principles of relational databases, which became the standard for data storage and retrieval. The development of SQL, a language widely used in database management, owes much to Date's theoretical foundations. His textbooks and research papers have educated generations of computer scientists, ensuring that his principles remain relevant in modern data-driven applications. Without Date's work, the efficiency and reliability of database systems would be significantly diminished, affecting everything from financial transactions to scientific research. ## Notable For - Pioneered relational database theory, influencing the development of SQL. - Co-authored foundational papers on normalization and data integrity. - Authored *An Introduction to Database Systems* (1983), a key textbook in database education. - Worked at IBM (1967–1983), where his research shaped modern database systems. - Established principles that remain central to data management in computing. ## Body ### Early Career and Education Christopher J. Date was born on January 18, 1941, in Watford, United Kingdom. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from the University of Cambridge in 1962 and attended The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe. His early education laid the groundwork for his later contributions to computer science. ### Work at IBM From 1967 to 1983, Date worked at IBM, where he conducted pioneering research in database systems. His work during this period focused on relational database theory, which became the basis for modern database management. Date's research emphasized data integrity, normalization, and relational algebra, principles that are still fundamental to database design. ### Foundational Contributions Date co-authored key papers on relational database theory, including work on normalization and data dependencies. His research helped establish relational databases as the dominant paradigm in data management. The development of SQL, a language used for querying and managing databases, owes much to Date's theoretical foundations. ### Textbooks and Legacy Date's textbook, *An Introduction to Database Systems* (1983), remains a foundational resource in computer science education. His writings and research papers have influenced generations of computer scientists, ensuring that his principles continue to shape data management practices. ### Impact on Industry Date's work at IBM and his subsequent publications have had a lasting impact on industry. The principles he established in database theory are widely used in finance, healthcare, and other sectors. His contributions to relational database systems have made data management more efficient and reliable, affecting countless applications worldwide. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. BnF authorities 3. Integrated Authority File 4. International Standard Name Identifier 5. CiNii Research 6. [Source](http://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102658166) 7. SNAC 8. LIBRIS 9. Czech National Authority Database 10. NUKAT 11. Korean Authority File 12. MAK 13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 14. Goodreads 15. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File