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

Sound database design can save hours of development time and ensure functionality and reliability. Database Design for Mere Mortals™, Second Edition, is a straightforward, platform-independent tutorial on the basic principles of relational database design. It provides a commonsense design methodology for developing databases that work.

Database design expert Michael J. Hernandez has expanded his best-selling first edition, maintaining its hands-on approach and accessibility while updating its coverage and including even more examples and illustrations.

This edition features a CD-ROM that includes diagrams of sample databases, as well as design guidelines, documentation forms, and examples of the database design process.

This book will give you the knowledge and tools you need to create efficient and effective relational databases.

• I. RELATIONAL DATABASE DESIGN.

• 1. What Is a Relational Database.
• 2. Design Objectives.
• 3. Terminology.

• II. THE DESIGN PROCESS.

• 4. Conceptual Overview.
• 5. Starting the Process.
• 6. Analyzing the Current Database.
• 7. Establishing Table Structures.
• 8. Keys.
• 9. Field Specifications.
• 10. Table Relationships.
• 12. Views.
• 13. Reviewing Data Integrity.

• III. OTHER DATABASE DESIGN ISSUES.

• 14. Bad Design—What Not To Do.
• 15. Bending or Breaking the Rules.

• 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.