GaussDB-Powered Database Textbook: Transforming Teaching & Practice

Project Overview

Project batch: 2023 second batch. Project number: 231100007141233. Project type: Teaching content and curriculum reform.

Background

With the rapid development of information technology, database technology plays a key role in digital transformation across industries. Current database education faces challenges such as a gap between theory and practice, a shortage of innovative textbooks, and insufficient student hands‑on ability. Huawei Cloud GaussDB, a leading autonomous database, has strong technical competitiveness, but the lack of dedicated teaching material limits its promotion.

To address these issues, Beijing Information Technology University initiated the "Database Principles and Applications (GaussDB Edition)" textbook construction project, aiming to reform database teaching.

Reform Approach and Measures

The project focuses on database education, using Huawei Cloud GaussDB as the platform and adhering to a "theory‑and‑practice combined" teaching philosophy. It follows a "one main line, two combinations, three levels" model, emphasizing solid database fundamentals, practical skill development, and up‑to‑date case studies.

Key textbook features include:

Integration of three qualities: solid foundation, practical cases, and rich supporting resources.

Case‑driven teaching with the "online shopping platform database" as a continuous example.

Comprehensive supporting materials such as teaching outlines, slides, source code, lab reports, and micro‑lecture videos.

Strong expert team support from Huawei database specialists.

Project Outcomes, Innovations and Effects

The textbook "Database Principles and Applications" has been completed and entered the publishing process.

It adopts a "theory‑and‑practice combined" approach, balancing solid database theory with extensive practical examples.

The book is organized into four parts, covering thirteen chapters:

Database Fundamentals (Chapters 1‑3) : Basic concepts, data management evolution, system architecture, relational database basics, and an introduction to GaussDB.

SQL Language and Database Programming (Chapters 4‑7) : Data definition, query techniques, view and index management, stored procedures, functions, cursors, and triggers.

Database Design (Chapters 8‑10) : Functional dependencies, normalization, schema design, and a development example.

Database Management (Chapters 11‑13) : Security, transaction and concurrency control, backup, recovery, and data migration, with GaussDB‑specific practices.

The textbook uses the online shopping platform database as a real‑world case to demonstrate database construction, SQL usage, security management, and data migration within the GaussDB environment.

Application and Promotion

The project’s achievements have been shared at several Ministry of Education events, receiving positive feedback from experts:

April 2025: Presented "LLM‑assisted Database Design Assignment" at the "Co‑prepare a Lesson" activity of the Database Virtual Teaching and Research Center.

April 2024: Delivered a keynote on "Digital Construction of Database System Fundamentals" at the same center, outlining a digital teaching framework.

September 2024: Conducted a training session on "Application‑Oriented Talent Cultivation with GaussDB" for the National Higher Education Computer Education Research Committee.

Experience Summary

In the context of rapid IT iteration and autonomous database innovation, cultivating students' practical abilities is crucial for talent development. The GaussDB‑based teaching model bridges theory and practice, providing a solid foundation for future professional growth. The project team will continue to promote the textbook and monitor its real‑world impact.