Ξ Project:M36 Relational Algebra Engine

Software can always be made faster, but rarely can it be made more correct.

Introduction

Project:M36 implements a relational algebra engine as inspired by the writings of Chris Date. Project:M36 supports both SQL and TutorialD interactive access.

Quick Install

Project:M36 can be downloaded and run via docker, which supports Windows 10+, macOS, and Linux.

Run docker run -it projectm36/project-m36 tutd to start the TutorialD command line interface.

Run docker run -it projectm36/project-m36 sqlegacy to start the SQLegacy (SQL dialect) command line interface.

Description

Unlike most database management systems (DBMS), Project:M36 is opinionated software which adheres strictly to the mathematics of the relational algebra. The purpose of this adherence is to prove that software which implements mathematically-sound design principles reaps benefits in the form of code clarity, consistency, performance, and future-proofing.

Project:M36 can be used as an in-process or remote DBMS.

Project:M36 is written entirely in the Haskell programming language.

Sample Session

Use-Cases

Project:M36 supports multiple frontends which target different audiences.

• learn about the relational algebra via TutorialD
• use SQLegacy to learn how SQL differs from the relational algebra
• store and manipulate databases
• use Project:M36 as a native Haskell database backend

Community

• TutorialD for SQL Developers
  • ask in IRC channel for discount code to get free access
• Developer's Blog
• Mailing List/Discussion Group
• IRC Channel: irc.libera.chat #project-m36 -- Chat via Web Client
• Hackage
• Diogo Biazus' Project:M36 Video Tutorial

Documentation

Introductory Materials

1. Installation and Introduction to Project:M36
2. Introduction to the Relational Algebra
3. TutorialD Cheatsheet
4. TutorialD via Jupyter Notebook Walkthrough
5. TutorialD Tutorial
6. 15 Minute Tutorial
7. Developer's Change Log
8. Simple Client API
9. CSV Import/Export
10. Developer Setup

Database Comparisons

1. ACID Database Properties
2. On NULL (in SQL)
3. Reaching "Out of the Tarpit" with Project:M36
4. An Architecture for Data Independence'

SQL Support

1. Why SQLegacy?
2. SQLegacy Documentation

Advanced Features

1. Transaction Graph Operators
2. ProjectM36.Client Library
3. Data Frames for Sorting
4. Adding New Data Types
5. Database-Manipulating Functions
6. Serving Remote ProjectM36 Databases
7. Using Notifications
8. Merge Transactions
9. Atom (Value) Functions
10. Trans-Graph Relational Expressions
11. Isomorphic Schemas
12. Replication
13. Basic Operator Benchmarks
14. Merkle Transaction Hashes
15. Handling DDL Changes

Integrations

1. WebSocket Server
2. Jupyter Notebook Kernel
3. Persistent Driver

Development

Project:M36 is developed in Haskell and compiled with GHC 9.2 or later.

Related Projects

• The Third Manifesto: the philosophical basis for relational algebra engines
• Rel: a TutorialD implementation against a BerkeleyDB backend
• Andl: a new database language with SQLite and PostgreSQL backends
• Coddie: a python-based relational algebra interpreter

Suggested Reading

• Out of the Tarpit: a proposed software architecture which minimizes state and complexity. Project:M36 implements the requirements of this paper.
• Database Design & Relational Theory: Normal Forms and All That Jazz: mathematical foundations for the principles of the relational algebra
• Database Explorations: Essays on the Third Manifesto and Related Topics: additional essays and debates on practical approaches to relational algebra engine design