Class Exercise:  Database & Table Design Concepts

                
Instructions: Discuss the following database design guidelines or rules. Provide
   descriptions or explanations and brief examples. For more information about 
   these questions refer to links on our resources page, the textbook or 
   classroom exercises about database design.

1. Identify real-world objects that are to be modeled. Hint: look for the nouns 
   used in documentation and discussions.  




2. Avoid or minimize storing redundant data.





3. Minimize update anomalies including those related to modification, insertion
   and deletion of data.





4. Use atomic column values by avoiding repeating groups and multi-valued 
   attributes.





5. Identify and choose sensible (unique, persistent, minimal) candidates for 
   primary key.





6. Identify the querys to be issued and data to be retrieved from the database to 
   answer questions posed.





7. Avoid designs that result in tables with many empty (null) attributes.





8. Distinguish between the different types of tables and their relationships to
   implement your database design.