database design

I constructed and managed a database for a non-profit organization. Then I took two courses on Microsofts' Access (up through the advanced level). Finally, I read Michael Hernandez' book. Thanks to Mr. Hernandez' clear and thorough explanation of relational database design, I'm ready to start over again and do things the right way. It's more fun to get right into the program and start designing flashy database reports made so easy by "wizards", but I assure you that your probability of success and enjoyment will increase dramatically if you postpone instant gratification and learn the basics first. I've read the one star critics who prefer the "techy" books. While there are times when you wish that Mr. Hernandez were more succinct in explaining the steps to developing a good relational database, the benefits of his plain langauge system far outweigh the more tedious parts of the book. I suspect that the more advanced books will be more understa! ndable after reading "Database Design for Mere Mortals." Mr. Hernandez has done a good deed for us mortals who want to learn the basics about relational database design.

A very well done text that avoids a lot of the mathematical jargon in the field. No set theory. No predicate calculus. This book is about the logical design of databases for someone who has never done that before. The tasks here are independent of any actual SQL software, and you do not need to know any SQL either.

This is ostensibly a computer book. But interestingly enough, you do not need a computer to do anything it describes. From an object-oriented view, if that is your background, the author has done a skilful job of separating the design methodology from any software implementation or environment.

It is also useful if you are not from a computing background, but you need to know what your technical coworkers, subordinates or the people in the department next door do when they maintain databases. Ok. The author does not discuss issues like transaction processing. But that is off-topic. Here, with a few hours reading, you can get the essence of database design.

I have to temper my enthusiasm for this book with the perspective gained by reading the negative comments of those who seem to be, by and large, professional database developers, programming experts, and teachers. First, I just gotta say: "no offense, but geez, what a bunch of snotty know-it-alls!" Now that I have that off my chest, this book was manna from heaven for me! I am a newbie, I'm using Access, I'm trying to create a system for my workplace (without knowing what I'm doing, mind you!), and I learn best through a logical approach, reinforcement, and repitition. I actually enjoyed the experience of skipping some paragraphs thinking, "yeah, yeah, you said that already, I GOT it!" But I think even having that experience helps me learn by shoring up the information deposit in my head. If you're in my situation, and you like starting at the beginning and getting a solid foundation, AND if you're not a big whoopdie doo database mogul, you will love this book! BTW, this is not a book about Access or any particular brand of database software, but a book about FUNDAMENTALS of database design that is probably most appropriate for people who don't intend to make their living designing databases. I'd bet that's a lot of people.