Where to start with database design and creation?

[Mike]

Hi,
I'm looking for advice on creating databases for someone just starting out.
Articles, books, websites, etc.
Here's what I'm trying to do. I want to create a SQL database to be used as
a business contact manager, where I can input names, dates, phone numbers,
etc and keep a log of various contacts with our clients to track progress.

I have SQL server installed as part of SBS 2003 and Access 2003 on our
client computers. Any advice for a newbie? Any questions I need to answer?

Thanks,
Mike

[sloan]

If you are interested in DB design, then I would look at something called
ER diagrams.

ER = Entity Relationship

It allows you to create a db schema before ever writing one "CREATE TABLE"
statement.

Here is a link:
http://www.infocom.cqu.edu.au/Courses/spr2000/95169/Extra_Examples/ERD.htm

www.smartdraw.com is a product that allows you to create this things. they
have a mini tutorial as well.

The book called
http://www.amazon.com/Fundamentals-Database-Systems-Fourth-Elmasri/dp/0321122267

has some chapters about ER diagrams.

Can you design a db (esp what you describe) without ER diagrams? Sure you
can. People do it all the time.
However, if you want to learn the ~approach to db design, take a simple
problem and ER diagram it.

All my new projects start with a er diagram of some sorts.

"Mike" <Mi...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:54D065AA-B409-4A8B...@microsoft.com...

[sloan]

PS

This is not Microsoft specfic stuff.

This is more abstract stuff that "sits higher" for lack of a better term
than any specific RDBMS (relational database management system).
Sql Server , Oracle , ABC , XYZ doesn't matter so much from this book's
perspective.

Once you have an ER diagram, you have Rules which tell you how to take that
diagram and make the tables.
That's what I like the best. I can cutoff mistakes early, by knowing about
my relationship needs ~~before I ever do one CREATE TABLE statement.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0321122267/ref=dp_olp_2/102-6805793-4731345
You can get a used copy very cheap.

"sloan" <sl...@ipass.net> wrote in message
news:OG0M7Fps...@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...

[Anith Sen]

Along with sloan's suggestions, I would also recommend you look into OR (
object-role ) conceptual modelling approach if you have time & inclination.
Very sturdy and reliable modeling process, heavily researched currently and
Microsoft has built-in tools ( Visio for enterprise architects ) that
directly support it. For more details, visit: www.orm.net

--
Anith