Database Design

Question 1

What are the purposes of a Controlled Development process?

Answer 1

1. To ensure that all relevant opinions are taken into account at appropriate times
2. To provide a framework for making project decisions on things like timescales and project team sizes
3. To identify and correct problems as early as possible

Question 2

What are the three stages of Database Design?

Answer 2

1. Conceptual
2. Logical
3. Physical

Question 3

What are the results of Conceptual Design?

Answer 3

1. Partial ER diagram

2. Captures the Users view of the world

Question 4

What is involved in Logical Design?

Answer 4

1. Derive relations for the logical model
2. Validate relations using normalisation
3. Validate relations against user transactions
4. Check integrity constraints
5. Review logical model with the user

Question 5

What are the tasks involved in physical design?

Answer 5

1. Selecting datatype definitions for each column
2. Designing constraints on the data
3. Designing user views
4. Designing indexes to improve query times

Question 6

What are the 6 Stages of top-down design?

Answer 6

1. Identify Entities
2. Identify Relationships
3. Develop Initial ERD
4. Describe Multiplicities
5. Identify Primary and Foreign Keys
6. Identify all other attributes