Database Analysis and Design

Course Overview

Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) provide the core technology for implementing many client/server systems. The prime objective of this course is to detail how real-world data requirements are modelled, a logical design produced and, most importantly, mapped efficiently onto an RDBMS product such as Oracle or SQL Server. A good database design is essential before client or server applications can be developed using the wealth of tools now available.

Starting from real-world problems, the course examines the various techniques available to analyse the business processes, produce an Entity-Relationship (ER) model and map it to a relational database schema. Design topics covered include normalisation, referential integrity and constraint techniques, data architecture, data warehousing and physical implementation. Exercises and demonstrations are used throughout the course to reinforce the lectures. A CASE tool will be used throughout the exercises to support the creation and conversion of models.

Skills Gained

Skills Gained

• use ER modelling techniques to create a logical data model
• map the logical data model to a physical data model
• apply normalisation techniques and achieve third normal form
• justify denormalisation and apply it as appropriate
• use a CASE tool to implement a database design
• understand RDBMS mechanisms for dealing with integrity issues
• discuss transaction control and locking issues

Prerequisites

You must have a good working knowledge of IT and client/server concepts. Normally delegates will have at least one year of IT experience.

Typically your skills will include the ability to write basic SQL queries to access relational data and the ability to run windows applications and to edit files/scripts. SQL skills can be acquired by attending the SQL Language course.

System analysts, database administrators, database developers, planners, application designers and programmers whose function is to design, deploy or maintain database applications in today's popular client/server environments.

Course Outline

Introduction

• Client/Server models
• Gartner model
• Three-tier model
• Business processes and BPR
• Design approaches

DATA Design and Modelling

• ANSI/SPARC Model
• Three-layer model overview
• Client requirements
• Business attributes
• relationships and entities

Entity-Relationship Modelling

• Basic symbols
• Methodologies
• Advanced symbols
• Benefits
• Logical model
• Using CASE tools

Fundamentals of Data Normalisation

• Properties
• Notation
• Goals and objectives
• Normal forms
• Identifying dependencies
• Denormalisation

Referential integrity

• Definition
• Referential constraints
• Referential integrity and SQL

Performance Issues

• Data access techniques
• Search algorithms
• BTREE fundamentals
• Hashing functions
• Join techniques
• Access plans
• Benchmarking
• Tuning cycle

Locking and Concurrency

• Concurrency control mechanisms
• Isolation levels
• Locking

PHYSICAL Design

• Physical data design
• Data types
• Creating the physical tables
• Views
• Schema tuning
• Disk placement
• Initial load

Data Architecture

• RDBMS servers
• ANSI SQL
• Stored procedures and triggers
• Database middleware

Software Development for Client/Server

• Client/server methods
• Project life cycle
• Iterative development
• Rapid prototyping
• RAD and JAD
• Technical architecture

Data Warehousing

• Database design options
• The case for data warehousing
• Benefits to the business
• Benefits to IT
• Building the warehouse