Basic db design tools

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dazed And Confused
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Dazed And Confused

I have had to design a few simple databases in Access and hope to do
more in the future. Currently, whenever I am handed a project, I
break out a clean manilla folder and a pad of paper. I try to write
all of the fields that I think I will need, try to put them into some
kind of logical structure and plunge ahead from there. As I go along,
I try to write what I am doing and include the names of any queries
that I create or tables that I create. I still end up wasting a lot
of time trying things out that may or may not work.
I would really be interested in knowing how others plan their
databases. Do you use pencil and paper, some kind of program, or
what? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
SJ
 
I have found the following website somewhat helpful - there's no reason to
re-invent the wheel:
http://www.databaseanswers.org/data_models/index.htm#DESIGN_NOTES

But I have also found, like you, that there are few substitutes for pencil
and paper. There are methods of proceeding logically, however. Start by
writing a description of the purpose of the database and what the user
desires. This can then lead you to
selection and design of tables from the nouns used in the description.
Example: Users want list of potential customers for their product line, and
contact persons, number and type of contacts made by each sales employee and
results of contacts.

From this simple example, we can determine we need a customer table,
products table, contacts table, contacttype table, employee table, etc.

Once we have the basic outline, we can then proceed to tweak it, add fields,
relationships, and from there, forms and reports.

HTH
Damon
 
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