[第五版前言翻译.doc

Perface （前言） Background （背景） The history of database research over the past 30 years is one of exceptional productivity that has led to the database system becoming arguably the most important development in the field of software engineering. Exceptional /ik’sep??n?l/ adj. 非常好的，杰出； Arguable /’a:gju?b?l/ adj. Not certainly true or correct and therefore easy or doubt. 有疑问的； 译：过去30多年的数据库研究历史是杰出成就之一，同样也导致了数据库可能变成软件工程领域最重要的发展。 The database is now the underlying framework of the information system and has fundamentally changed the way many organizations operate. 译：现在，数据库是信息系统的底层框架，也从根本上更改了许多公司的操作。 In particular, the developments in this technology over the last few years have produced systems that are more powerful and more intuitive to use intuitive /in’tju:i?tiv/ adj. An intuitive idea is based on feelings rather than on knowledge or facts （想法）凭直觉获知。 在现实中，过去几年这种技术的发展也产生了更容易使用且能力更强的系统。 This development has resulted in increasing availability of database systems for a wider variety of users. variety/v?’rai?ti/ n. A variety of = a lot of a particular type of things that are different from each other.种种 Availability /’?veil?’?biliti/ n. 供应 译：这种技术的发展也导致更宽广更多样用户使用数据库的增加。 Unfortunately, the apparent simplicity of these systems has to users creating databases and applications without the necessary knowledge to produce an effective and efficient system. Effective /i’fektiv/ adj. Producing the result that was wanted or intended 产生预期的效果，有效的 Efficient /i’fi??nt/ adj. A person, machine, or organization that is efficient works well and effectively without wasting time, money or energy. 有效的，高效能的； 不幸的，这些系统的简单出现使没有专业知识的用户能够使用数据库和应用程序生成一个预期效果的且有效的系统。 And so the “software crisis” or, as it is sometimes referred to, the “software depression” continues. Crisis /kraisi?s/ n. 危机； Depression /di’pre??n/ n.消沉； 因此“软件危机”或者，有时参考为“软件萧条”继续。 The original stimulus for this book come from the authors’ work in industry, providing consultancy on database design for new software systems, as often