Database Design for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Relational Database Design Book

Foreword.


Preface.


Introduction.

I. RELATIONAL DATABASE DESIGN.

1. What Is a Relational Database.

Types of Databases.

Early Database Models.

The Relational Database Model.

Relational Database Management Systems.

Beyond the Relational Model.

What the Future Holds.

Summary.

Review Questions.

2. Design Objectives.

Why Should You Be Concerned with Database Design?

The Importance of Theory.

The Advantage of Learning A Good Design Methodology.

Objectives of Good Design.

Benefits of Good Design.

Database Design Methods.

Summary.

Review Questions.

3. Terminology.

Why This Terminology Is Important.

Value-related Terms.

Structure-related Terms.

Relationship-related Terms.

Integrity-related Terms.

Summary.

Review Questions.

II. THE DESIGN PROCESS.

4. Conceptual Overview.

The Importance of Completing the Design Process.

Define a Mission Statement and Mission Objectives.

Analyze the Current Database.

Create the Data Structures.

Determine and Establish Table Relationships.

Determine and Define Business Rules.

Determine and Define Views.

Review Data Integrity.

Summary.

Review Questions.

5. Starting the Process.

Conducting Interviews.

The Case Study: Mike's Bikes.

Defining the Mission Statement.

Defining the Mission Objectives.

Summary.

Review Questions.

6. Analyzing the Current Database.

Getting to Know the Current Database.

Conducting the Analysis.

Looking at How Data Is Collected.

Looking at How Information Is Presented.

Conducting Interviews.

Interviewing Users.

Interviewing Management.

Compiling a Complete List of Fields.

Case Study.

Summary.

Review Questions.

7. Establishing Table Structures.

Defining the Preliminary Table List.

Defining the Final Table List.

Associating Fields with Each Table.

Refining the Fields.

Refining the Table Structures.

Case Study.

Summary.

Review Questions.

8. Keys.

Why Keys Are Important.

Establishing Keys for Each Table.

Reviewing the Initial Table Structures.

Case Study.

Summary.

Review Questions.

9. Field Specifications.

Why Field Specifications Are Important.

Field-Level Integrity.

Anatomy of a Field Specification.

Using Unique, Generic, and Replica Field Specifications.

Defining Field Specifications for Each Field in the Database.

Case Study.

Summary.

Review Questions.

10. Table Relationships.

Types of Relationships.

Identifying Existing Relationships.

Establishing Each Relationship.

Refining All Foreign Keys.

Establishing Relationship Characteristics.

Relationship-Level Integrity.

Case Study.

Summary.

Review Questions.

Chapter 11: Business Rules.

What Are Business Rules?

Categories of Business Rules.

Defining and Establishing Business Rules.

Validation Tables.

Reviewing the Business Rule Specification Sheets.

Case Study.

Summary.

Review Questions.

12. Views.

What Are Views?

Anatomy of a View.

Determining and Defining Views.

Case Study.

Summary.

Review Questions.

13. Reviewing Data Integrity.

Why You Should Review Data Integrity.

Reviewing and Refining Data Integrity.

Assembling the Database Documentation.

Done at Last!

Case Study-Wrap up.

Summary.

III. OTHER DATABASE DESIGN ISSUES.

14. Bad Design-What Not To Do.

Flat-File Design.

Spreadsheet Design.

Database Design Based on Database Software.

A Final Thought.

Summary.

15. Bending or Breaking the Rules.

When May You Bend or Break the Rules?

Documenting Your Actions.

Summary.

In Closing.

IV. APPENDIXES.

Appendix A: Answers to Review Questions.
Appendix B: Diagram of the Database Design Process.
Appendix C: Design Guidelines.
Appendix D: Documentation Forms.
Appendix E: Database Design Diagram Symbols.
Appendix F: Sample Designs.
Appendix G: Recommended Reading.
Glossary.
References.
Index.