Database Reference
In-Depth Information
4. Conceptual Overview
I don't pretend to understand the Universe—it's a great deal bigger than I am.
—T
HOMAS
C
ARLYLE
Topics Covered in This Chapter
Understanding how to design a relational database isn't quite as hard as understanding the
universe;infact,it'smucheasier.Itisimportant,however,foryoutohaveanoverallideaof
the way the database design process works and a general idea of the steps involved within
the process. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the database design
process.
Forthepurposeofthisoverview,I'veconsolidatedallofthetechniquesinthedesignprocess
intosevenphasesandIdiscusseachphaseingeneralterms.Thisdiscussionprovidesagood
overall picture of the database design process and I hope it will give you a much clearer un-
derstanding of each design technique covered in this part of the topic.
You can use the design methodology in this topic to design a new database completely from
scratch, refine anexisting database, orhelpyouanalyze anexisting database sothat youcan
design a new database based on the results of your analysis.
