Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 1-3.
Software Development Life Cycle
As mentioned earlier (section 1.1), databases do not exist in a vacuum, but are
usually part of a software system. A
database development life cycle
(DDLC) may therefore
be perceived from two perspectives:
•
It may be viewed as being identical and concurrent with the
SDLC. At each phase in the SDLC, consideration is given to the
database as an integral part of the software product.
•
If we consider that in many cases, the database has to be
constructed and implemented, and managed as a separate
resource that various software systems can tap into, then we may
construct a similar but different life cycle for the database as
illustrated in Figure
1-4
.
Figure 1-4.
Database Development Life Cycle
Note:
1.
Applying basic investigation skills that you would have
acquired in your software engineering course covers the
database investigation and analysis phase. This course
assumes that you have acquired those skills. The course
therefore concentrates on the other phases.
2.
With experience, the database modeling and database
designing phases can be merged into one phase. This will be
further clarified in chapters 3 through 5.
3.
Once the database is in implementation phase, management
of it becomes an ongoing experience, until the database
becomes irrelevant to the organization.
