Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
You can think of the entire group of IT personnel who create and maintain
databases as database practitioners. These people keep the database environment
functioning and enable the users to reap the benefits. Broadly, we can classify
database practitioners into three categories: those who design, those who main-
tain, and those who create the applications.
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Business analysts:
work with senior management, conduct special stud-
ies, and interpret management's direction for information.
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Data modelers:
create semantic data models with popular modeling
techniques. Often use computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools
to create data models.
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Database designers:
develop and integrate user views of data and create
the logical design for the database to be implemented with the selected
commercial DBMS. Often use CASE tools to generate the outputs of the
logical design process.
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Systems analysts:
determine the process requirements of the various
user groups and write application specifications. Work with the program-
mers in testing and implementing applications.
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Programmer/analysts:
translate applications into program code. Test and
implement applications. Also, write programs to convert and populate
databases from previous database systems, if necessary.
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Database administrators:
exercise overall control and manage the data-
base. They perform key functions in the database environment.
Without proper methods and procedures, a database environment will even-
tually slip into confusion and chaos. Some procedures are essential just for keep-
ing the database up and running. Because of this, and to ensure consistency,
users and practitioners need good methods and procedures. Procedures can be
manual or automated, and can include the following:
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Usage:
clear and concise procedures on how to make use of the data-
base. For example, procedures might include plain and nderstandable
instructions on how to sign on and use the various functions provided
by the applications. These often consist of written procedures as well
as user aides, which are sometimes built into an applications help
system.
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Queries and Reports:
a list of available predefined queries and reports,
along with instructions on how to supply the parameters and run them,
provided to users. These can include written documentation or be inte-
grated into a database application or support application such as a Web
service. Sometimes, programmers document these through the applica-
tion's help system.
