| Relational Database Design |
One of the best ways to understand database design is
to start with an all-in-one, flat-file table design and then toss in some sample
data to see what happens. By analysing the sample data, you'll be able to
identify problems caused by the initial design. You can then modify the design
to eliminate the problems, test some more sample data, check for problems, and
re-modify, continuing this process until you have a consistent and problem-free
design.
Once you grow accustomed to the types of problems poor table design can
create, hopefully you'll be able to skip the interim steps and jump immediately
to the final table design.
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