Database Design for Mere Mortals, Essay Example

Most database designers need to strictly adhere to the various stages so as to come up with a product that satisfies the user’s needs. These stages are all quite crucial and go a long way in making the final system a success. The initial stages include defining the mission statement and objectives, analyzing the current database and creating data structures. During the definition of the mission statement and objectives, the designer collects all relevant information from all avenues but limited to the scope of the database. The implication of this stage is that, the designer interacts with the users of the intended system. All information regarding their expectations of the intended system, problems encountered while interacting with the existing system and any other additions needs to be captured (James, 2006).

Information gathered during this stage forms the skeleton and foundation on which the database will be built. After laying out the foundation, the existing system’s structures are then closely examined. Thus, the existing database system is subjected to thorough scrutiny to expose its shortcomings so that the system designer can devise solutions. Shortcomings exposed therein include users’ views or limitations they face while interacting with the existing systems. Administrators to the existing database also contribute their views regarding the existing system. Bearing in mind all the views, the designer is endowed with the task of structuring the solution. Stephens (2006) insinuates that the solution could either be rectifying the existing system or coming up with an entirely new system.

Considerations on the conceptual design of the intended system predetermine its functionality. Any simple mistakes at this stage could compromise the overall role of the system. At this stage, the designer takes into account all the data and their interrelationship. At this point, the primary keys and secondary keys are identified and assigned their respective positions in the conceptual design. Data structures are thus created. These structures are of key importance since they form the basis for the final human interface design. Organization of the data and linking them according to the relationship and the different levels of interaction is the main objective while creating data structures.

All in all, the eventual system needs to be flawless and efficient in catering for the users’ needs. The above mentioned stages sum up the initial stages of database design. The importance of these stages speaks for itself. Without careful consideration, various anomalies may arise. Therefore, these initial stages of database design are quite critical in the success of the final system.

References

James M. H. (2006). Database Design for Mere Mortals: A hands-on Guide to Relational Database Design. 2^nd ed. New York: Addison-Wesley.

Stephens, R. (2006). Beginning Database Design Solutions. 2^nd ed. New York: John Wiley and Sons.