Book: If you would like to consult a textbook, we primarily use the following book:
Database Systems: The Complete Book, by Hector Garcia-Molina, Jeffrey D. Ullman, and Jennifer Widom. 2nd Edition. Prentice Hall. 2008.
See the publisher's book page and the Amazon book page. Relevant chapters for reading are posted under Schedule. In a typical semester, textbooks for this course are available for 3-hour checkouts at the Duke Libraries. Search the Libraries' Top Textbooks program here: https://library.duke.edu/course-support/course-reserves/textbooks.
Gradescope: We will use Gradescope for submission and grading of (non-Gradiance) homeworks and project work, as well as for grading of exams.
Communication and Ed: You should check Ed regularly for important course-related announcements. Important announcements will be also sent through Canvas and in class lectures.
All questions that may be of general interest to the class should be directed to Ed. You will get your questions answered faster on Ed than via personal emails to the course staff (who will direct you to Ed), because Ed is monitored closely by everybody in the class, not just the course staff. You are highly encouraged to answer each others' questions on Ed and the course staff would endorse/add to those answers. Only for logistics-related issues, email both Sudeepa and Violet.
Canvas: We will use the Canvas course management system for posting sample solutions (under "Resources") and for checking grades (under "Gradebook").
Computing: You will need access to a computer (any major OS will do) on which you are allowed to install new software.