Database Design
This course introduces a process for effectively planning and designing a functional, efficient database. Knowing how to plan a relational database is important to the success of the databases you create. Without planning, you cannot possibly know what the database needs to do, or even what information to include in the database. Planning a database is essential and prevents the extra work of fixing data maintenance problems later on.
Description
Overview
For many new or intermediate database developers, it’s difficult to know where to start when designing a relational database. It’s easy to make the mistake of assuming that the functionality of a database will take shape over time, or the design will fall into place as you build the database.
This course introduces a process for effectively planning and designing a functional, efficient database. Knowing how to plan a relational database is important to the success of the databases you create. Without planning, you cannot possibly know what the database needs to do, or even what information to include in the database. Planning a database is essential and prevents the extra work of fixing data maintenance problems later on.
The concepts are not specific to a particular software application and can be applied to any relational database management system.
Course Objectives
In this course, you will perform steps to design a relational database, including gathering requirements, data modeling, and planning implementation. After completing this course, students will be able to:
- Follow an efficient process for designing a relational database
- Define the database conceptual model
- Define the database logical model
- Apply database normalization methods to improve the initial design of a database
- Complete the database design, including controls to ensure its referential integrity and data integrity.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for students who need to learn database design essentials, typically in preparation for, or as a supplement to, a course on SQL such as, SQL Querying: Fundamentals and courses on specific relational database platforms.
Course Outline
Lesson 1: Getting Started with Relational Database Design
- Identify Database Components
- Identify Common Database Design Problems
- Follow a Database Design Process
- Gather Requirements
Lesson 2: Defining the Database Conceptual Model
- Create the Conceptual Model
- Identify Entity Relationships
Lesson 3: Defining the Database Logical Model
- Identify Columns
- Identify Primary Keys
- Identify and Diagram Relationships
Lesson 4: Normalizing Data
- Avoid Common Database Design Errors
- Comply with Higher Normal Forms
Lesson 5: Finalizing the Database Design
- Adapt the Physical Model for Different Systems
- Ensure Referential Integrity
- Ensure Data Integrity at the Column Level
- Ensure Data Integrity at the Table Level
- Design for the Cloud
Prerequisites
To ensure your success in this course, you should have fundamental computer skills.