Inference Rules for Functional and Inclusion Dependencies

John C. Mitchell

Abstract: A set Σ of functional dependencies and inclusion dependencies implies a single dependency σ if all databases (finite and infinite) which satisfy Σ also satisfy σ. This paper presents complete inference rules for deducing implications of inclusion and functional dependencies. The results of [5] suggest that the implication problem for functional and inclusion dependencies together has no simple axiomatization satisfying a natural set of conditions. Out of necessity, the inference rules presented here do not satisfy the conditions assumed in [5].