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SQL Projection and Relational Algebra

Projection in SQL and Relational Algebra is an operation that selects specific columns from a table while removing unwanted ones. In Relational Algebra, it automatically removes duplicates, whereas SQL requires the DISTINCT keyword to achieve the same effect. The document provides examples of projection using a STUDENT table and highlights key features of projection in both relational algebra and SQL.

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24 views2 pages

SQL Projection and Relational Algebra

Projection in SQL and Relational Algebra is an operation that selects specific columns from a table while removing unwanted ones. In Relational Algebra, it automatically removes duplicates, whereas SQL requires the DISTINCT keyword to achieve the same effect. The document provides examples of projection using a STUDENT table and highlights key features of projection in both relational algebra and SQL.

Uploaded by

ahmedjahanzeb227
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Projection in SQL (Relational Algebra Concepts)

Notes: Projection in SQL and Relational Algebra

What is Projection?

In Relational Algebra, Projection is an operation that selects specific columns (attributes) from a relation

(table). It removes unwanted columns and keeps only those needed.

Symbol: pi

Example (Relational Algebra):

If we have a table STUDENT(id, name, age, course) and we want only name and course, then:

pi_name, course (STUDENT)

This means: Project the name and course columns from the STUDENT relation.

Equivalent in SQL:

SELECT name, course FROM STUDENT;

Key Features of Projection:

- Works on: Columns/Attributes only

- Removes: Duplicate rows (in Relational Algebra)

- SQL behavior: SQL allows duplicates unless DISTINCT is used

- Order of rows: Not preserved in relational algebra

- Output: New relation with selected columns

With Duplicate Removal:

In Relational Algebra, projection automatically removes duplicates.

To do this in SQL, use DISTINCT:

SELECT DISTINCT name FROM STUDENT;

Result Example:

STUDENT Table:
Projection in SQL (Relational Algebra Concepts)

| id | name | age | course |

|----|-------|-----|--------|

| 1 | Ali | 20 | CSE |

| 2 | Sara | 21 | EEE |

| 3 | Rani | 22 | ME |

| 4 | Sara | 21 | EEE |

Relational Algebra Query:

pi_name (STUDENT)

Result:

| name |

|-------|

| Ali |

| Sara |

| Rani |

(In Relational Algebra, duplicates are removed.)

In SQL:

SELECT name FROM STUDENT;

-> Shows all values, including duplicates.

SELECT DISTINCT name FROM STUDENT;

-> Removes duplicates, matches relational algebra behavior.

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