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Steps to Database Design
Today I wanted to share three basic steps I use for database design. I find that this process works well for class definitions as well.
Step One – Identify Entities
This is a task often done from use cases or subject matter experts. For each entity you identify an attribute to be used as the primary key. A system Assigned primary key may be assigned if nothing already exists in the natural makup of the entity.
Step Two – Identify Relationships
As each entity is created determine if there is a relationship between the new entity and all existing entities. For one to many relationships, add a foreign key to the existing entity. For many to many relationships, a new entity is creating allowing keys from two existing entities.
Step Three – Add Attributes
Now that you have a set of entities designed to emulate your requirements you begin to flesh out the full characteristics of the entity by adding additional columns to the table definition.
As you add new attributes be aware of those instances where you find you are creating multiple columns with the same information. This may need to be re-factored into additional entities with new relationships rather than replicating columns. A great way to know this is happening is when you find yourself adding a suffix to the column name to allow multiple items of the same type.
Share your tips on database design by writing to btaylor@sswug.org.
Cheers,
Ben
$$SWYNK$$
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