Split & Prove: Functional Dependency Derivation Practice Tool

Author / Site: Custom Interactive Learning Resource

Summary: This interactive HTML tool allows students to work through functional dependency problems by splitting FD sets and proving derived dependencies step by step. It provides a structured, rule-checked environment where students can apply derivation rules and receive real-time feedback on whether their steps are valid. The interface includes scenario selection, a live rule checklist, and visual indicators for correct and incorrect reasoning.

Relevance to Module: Functional dependencies and their derivation are the central topics of this module, and this tool directly engages students in the process of manipulating FD sets — a core skill in relational database design. By requiring students to justify each step and flagging rule violations, it reinforces the formal reasoning that underpins schema analysis.

Pedagogical Purpose

This resource serves as a guided practice tool, giving students hands-on experience applying Armstrong's Axioms (reflexivity, augmentation, transitivity) to derive new functional dependencies from a given FD set, directly supporting MO3. The real-time rule checklist and step-by-step proof structure also support MO2 by prompting students to distinguish valid (trivial and non-trivial) dependency relationships, and MO4 by helping them trace attribute closures needed to identify candidate keys.

Added September 11, 2026