WWU Computer Science faculty publish beginner-friendly book on database design 

WWU Associate Professors of Computer Science Qiang Hao and Michael Tsikerdekis have authored “Grokking Relational Database Design,” a guide to building and implementing databases, published by Manning Publications in March.  

“Grokking” is a term in computer science that means to understand intuitively. Hao and Tsikerdekis’ guide to database design is the latest installment in Manning Publishers beginner-friendly Grokking series. 

The book leads readers through the principles of designing relational databases from querying and creation using Structured Query Language to the implementation and optimization of database designs. 

Relational databases are a way to manage and store data in a structured format using columns and rows. These databases are used in a variety of contexts from banking systems and eCommerce to student-record management.  

'It was definitely a huge learning experience'

The illustrations in “Grokking Relational Database Design” were created by Cody Pham, a WWU Design senior. Pham was selected after an open call for illustrators.  

“I thought the opportunity to illustrate for a textbook was super engaging, especially with the subject matter of what the Grokking Relational Database Design covers,” Pham said. “I knew the submissions for the position would be very competitive, so I went to my good friend and illustration mentor Paul Kearsley to help with curating my illustration portfolio.” 

Kearsley, who works as an instructor in the College of Fine and Performing Arts, the College of Science and Engineering and College of the Environment, helped Pham to create a proof-of-concept piece that showcased his viability for the job. He also partnered with Associate Professor of Design Kacey Morrow, who helped facilitate the client meetings and acted as a liaison for Pham throughout the project. 

The process for creating the illustrations began with Hao sending Pham excerpts of the book with additional annotations with ideas on what concepts the art would feature. Pham would then sketch ideas for each drawing, finalize the strongest concepts, then recreate these concepts in Adobe Illustrator. From there, the art would be sent to Hao and the publishers for review where they would provide feedback or any necessary changes before the art was finalized. 

“It was definitely a huge learning experience, especially since this was one of my first real freelance projects that I was a part of,” Pham said. 

One of the challenges Pham faced was having to do additional research to properly understand the ideas he was trying to illustrate.  

“Trying to visualize a lot of the subjects required a lot of troubleshooting since there's not a lot of concrete visuals to go off of in regard to relational database design,” he said.  
 
This is the exact reason having visuals was important to include. Illustrations help make complex concepts easier to understand, the reading experience more enjoyable and keep learners interested and motivated, Hao said.  

“Many topics in relational database design, like structuring data or optimizing queries, can feel abstract when explained only in words. Visuals bring these ideas to life, making patterns and relationships clearer,” Hao said. “Since people learn in different ways, combining diagrams with explanations helps students grasp key concepts faster and retain them better.” 

The book has already received high praise from industry professionals and sold over 1,000 copies of the book in presale alone, an uncommon feat for similar books, Hao said.  

Hao sees the book being used by students, faculty and industry professionals for years to come. Students can use the book as an easy-to-follow guide, faculty can incorporate it into their teaching, and industry professionals may use the book as a reference for real-world projects. 

“Whether someone is new to databases or looking to refine their knowledge, this book provides a structured and accessible way to learn,” he said. 

Those interested in purchasing the book for themselves can find it on Manning’s website or their favorite book retailer. 

Mikayla King (‘17) covers the College of Science and Engineering and Woodring College of Education for University Communications. Reach out to her with story ideas at kingm24@wwu.edu.