Database Design for Mere Mortals™: A Hands-On Guide to Relational Database Design, Second Edition

The Importance of Completing the Design Process

One thing I want to make perfectly clear from the very beginning is the importance of completing the design process. I'm often asked if it's truly necessary to go through the entire design process. My answer is always a resounding yes! I'm then asked whether it's still necessary if someone is only going to create a “simple” database. (“Simple” is one of the most dangerous words known to database developers. Nothing is ever “simple.”) Again, my answer is yes, it's still necessary. The type, size, or purpose of the database is totally irrelevant to the value of undertaking a fully developed design. You should implement and follow the database-design process from beginning to end.

It is a well-known ...