I’d like to learn more about relational databases and was wondering if there are any Norvig-style tutorials or textbooks that guide you through a naive implementation.
Do you have any pointers? How would you go about it?
If you really mean relational, and not SQL; then all you need is columns, tables and records. Just do it, once you have a stupid implementation of your ideas running you'll know what information to look for. I've been cooking my own relational persistence engines for quite a while now, here is the latest incarnation if anyone is interested in seeing the idea cut down to its core with optional encryption on top:
https://github.com/andreas-gone-wild/snackis/tree/master/src...
https://www.amazon.com/Relational-Model-Database-Management-...
Good luck with it. If you do find anything or start your own, please report back.