Submitted by: Submitted by SDowney
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Category: Business and Industry
Date Submitted: 04/01/2016 05:11 AM
The Key Elements of Rational Database Systems
Criteria for good database design
Good database design provides the user with up to date, relevant and accurate reports. It will be created to meet the needs of the user and can be adapted and changed with relative ease. The information in the database should aim to be correct, clear and complete to achieve accurate reports. The database should be easy to use, reliable and secure. Also, information should not be duplicated on the data base.
The stages in the database design process
* The Purpose of the database
The creator of the database should have a very clear idea of what the database will be used for, who will use the information and how it will be used. The design of the database should be carefully thought out in advance. Proper design and planning will allow the users to get the most from the database. For example, if the database is used for posting labels, the address fields must be detailed and filled out correctly for different geographical areas.
* Collecting and sorting the necessary information
All the information needed for the database that you currently have must be sorted and assessed for its relevance and its reliability. Also, be aware of the information that you will need in the future.
* Divide the information into tables
When you have collected the information, divide it into separate logical groupings, these will be the tables in the database. A table may be for name and address etc, or product codes and prices. It is important that the tables are named with the users of the database in mind. They must be clearly, logically and simply labelled.
* Separate the table information into columns
This is where the details are given their own columns on the database. First name, surname, street address, area, city, country. This is to allow searches and reports to be done under various headings, if you wanted to know how many of your customers come from a certain area....