Presentation Tools for Database Researchers

---

Index

• dbsym: A TrueType Font of Database Symbols
• TexPoint Macros for Database Symbols

---

dbsym: A TrueType Font of Database Symbols

I found it annoying that I couldn't find any good Windows fonts containing database symbols such as join, semijoin, multi-valued dependency, etc. So I created one using CorelDraw, following the style of Computer Modern font used in TeX. Here is an example PDF file showing the symbols in this font. This PDF file was generated by Acrobat Distiller from a PowerPoint presentation.

Installation instructions:

1. Download dbsym.ttf.
2. Copy dbsym.ttf to Windows font directory. In Windows 2000, this directory is typically C:\WINNT\Fonts.
3. You can now start using the font named "dbsym" in your Windows applications. To find the symbols you need, use the Windows Charactor Map from "Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Charactor Map".

Caution:

• Since dbsym is not a standard font, you should save your presentation with fonts embedded: in Word/PowerPoint, use "File -> Save As -> Tools -> Embed TrueType Fonts". If you do not embed fonts, the symbols might not show property on another machine that does not have dbsym installed.
• Same thing applies to Acrobat Distiller: in Distiller, use "Settings -> Job Options -> Fonts" and check "Embed All Fonts". Thus, the output PDF file can be printed and displayed anywhere.

---

TexPoint Macros for Database Symbols

Tired of looking through the Windows Character Map for your favorite math symbols? George Necula's TexPoint is a wonderful PowerPoint add-in that allows you to do LaTeX-style formatting in your PowerPoint slides. I have written some TexPoint macros specifically for database symbols, which have save me tremendous amount of time in preparing slides.

Installation instructions:

1. Follow the instructions for installing dbsym.ttf, if you have not already done so.
2. Download and install TexPoint.
3. In your PowerPoint presentation, type alt-x c for the TexPoint configuration window. Copy and paste the following lines into the area titled "TexPoint initialization code for this presentation":

   \newcommand{select}{0}{\fontchr{cmmi10}{190}}
   \newcommand{project}{0}{\fontchr{cmmi10}{188}}
   \newcommand{rename}{0}{\fontchr{cmmi10}{189}}
   \newcommand{union}{0}{\fontchr{cmsy10}{91}}
   \newcommand{intersect}{0}{\fontchr{cmsy10}{92}}
   \newcommand{diff}{0}{\fontchr{cmsy10}{161}}
   \newcommand{cross}{0}{\fontchr{cmsy10}{163}}
   \newcommand{join}{0}{\fontchr{dbsym}{33}}
   \newcommand{sjoin}{0}{\fontchr{dbsym}{34}}
   \newcommand{lsjoin}{0}{\fontchr{dbsym}{34}}
   \newcommand{rsjoin}{0}{\fontchr{dbsym}{35}}
   \newcommand{asjoin}{0}{\fontchr{dbsym}{36}}
   \newcommand{lasjoin}{0}{\fontchr{dbsym}{36}}
   \newcommand{rasjoin}{0}{\fontchr{dbsym}{37}}
   \newcommand{ojoin}{0}{\fontchr{dbsym}{38}}
   \newcommand{lojoin}{0}{\fontchr{dbsym}{39}}
   \newcommand{rojoin}{0}{\fontchr{dbsym}{40}}
   \newcommand{ins}{0}{\triangle}
   \newcommand{del}{0}{\triangledown}
   \newcommand{fd}{0}{\fontchr{cmsy10}{33}}
   \newcommand{mvd}{0}{\fontchr{dbsym}{41}}
   

   The TexPoint initialization code will be saved together with your presentation, so there is no need to repeat the above step when you open this presentation next time. In fact, you could create a template presentation with the above TexPoint initialization code; whenever you want to make a new presentation you just start with a copy of the template presentation.
4. You can now start using macros for database symbols in your presentation. For example, write the following in your presentation:

   \project_{a, b} (\select_{a > 0} (R \join_{R.c = S.c} S))
   

   Next, type alt-x x, and it will be automatically formatted into appropriate symbols and subscripts.