Database Reference
In-Depth Information
DATABASE DEVELOPMENT
Function-oriented approach
Data-oriented approach
DATABASE SYSTEM
APPLICATION FUNCTIONS
Business
Objects
Data
more
stable
than
functions
DATABASE SYSTEM
Business
Objects
APPLICATION FUNCTIONS
Figure 4-1
Data-oriented versus function-oriented approach.
applications first but look at the overall data requirements of running the business.
What are the business objects? What are the relationships among the objects? You
store all relevant data about the business objects and then use the data to run the
applications. This approach is different—it is data-oriented as opposed to being
function-oriented.
Adopt a Data-Oriented Approach
Figure 4-1 illustrates this essential difference. At the very outset, we need to appre-
ciate the significance of the difference in the development of the new data system.
The success of database development rests on the adoption of a data-oriented
approach.
Establish a Framework for Development
Because of the tremendous importance of the database system in an organization,
you must create and work with a structured framework for its development. Figure
4-2 shows a framework for database development. You must adapt and use such a
framework.
Begin Development Project with an Initiation Report
A carefully prepared project initiation report defines the scope of the
database development, the methodology, the basic data content, and the overall
project schedule. The report sets the direction and provides the development
parameters.
The following are standard contents of an initiation report for a database devel-
opment project:
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