Database Tips

Design may be one of the most important aspects of a database. I have discovered a couple of helpful tips to assist in the creation of a database.

Do's

1.) Create relational data tables Unless you are doing only one very simple task, such as entering a list of names and addresses, you will need more than one table of data to track your information correctly.

2.) Rules for data entry should be consistent: The organization should make decisions which identify the business rules. Then the database designer can build in ways to enforce consistency at the user level.

3.) Enter information in the proper field:If the data entry person cannot find the right place for a piece of data, perhaps the database needs some work. The answer is not to enter information randomly in an empty field.



Don'ts

1.)Create one flat file: A flat file means that all your data goes on one data table. Flat files make it difficult to create statistical reports.

2.)Use too many Yes/No fields:If you are using a large number of yes/no fields, you may need to re-examine the design of your database.

3.)Enter data inconsistently:If some users enter "donor" and others enter "contributor," database queries will be hard to run accurately.