The #1 Easy, Commonsense Guide to Database DesignNow Updated
Foreword by Michelle Poolet, Mount Vernon Data Systems LLC
Database Design for Mere Mortals has earned worldwide respect as the simplest way to learn relational database design. Now, this hands-on, software independent tutorial is even clearer and easier to use.
Step by step, this new 25th Anniversary Edition shows you how to design modern databases that are soundly structured, reliable, and flexible, even in the latest online applications. Michael Hernandez guides you through everything from planning to defining tables, fields, keys, table relationships, business rules, and views. You will learn practical ways to improve data integrity, how to avoid common mistakes, and when to break the rules. Updated review questions and figures help you learn these techniques more easily and effectively.
- Understand database types, models, and design terminology
- Perform interviews to efficiently capture requirementseven if everyone works remotely
- Set clear design objectives and transform them into effective designs
- Analyze a current database so you can identify ways to improve it
- Establish table structures and relationships, assign primary keys, set field specifications, and set up views
- Ensure the correct level of data integrity for each database
- Identify and establish business rules
- Preview and prepare for the future of relational databases
Whatever relational database systems you use, Hernandez will help you design databases that are robust and trustworthy. Never designed a database before? Settling for inadequate generic designs? Running existing databases that need improvement? Start here.
Step by step, Database Design for Mere Mortals®, 25th Anniversary, shows you how to design databases that are soundly structured, reliable, and flexible, even in modern web applications. Hernandez guides you through everything from database planning to defining tables, fields, keys, table relationships, business rules, and views. You’ll learn practical ways to improve data integrity, how to avoid common mistakes, and when to break the rules. This edition has been updated to reflect the current landscape for databases and their prevalent uses in the world.
Coverage includes
- Understanding database types, models, and design terminology
- Discovering what good database design can do for you–and why bad design can make your life miserable
- Setting objectives for your database, and transforming those objectives into real designs
- Analyzing a current database so you can identify ways to improve it
- Establishing table structures and relationships, assigning primary keys, setting field specifications, and setting up views
- Ensuring the appropriate level of data integrity for each application
- Identifying and establishing business rules
