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

Analyzing the Current Database

The second phase in the database-design process involves analyzing the current database, if one exists. Depending on your organization, the database will typically be a legacy database or a paper-based database. A legacy database (also known as an inherited database) is one that has been in existence and in use for several years or more. A paper-based database, as you may already know, is a loose collection of forms, index cards, manila folders, and the like. Whatever the data base type or condition, analyzing it will yield valuable information about the way your organization is currently using and managing its data. In addition, the analysis involves reviewing the way your organization is currently collecting ...