Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2008 All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies®

VII.3.1. Setting a Good Foundation

Designing and developing a high-performance database is challenge enough; there's no need to be a hero and try to figure out everything yourself. In this section, we give you a few easily implemented ideas that you can use as the underpinning for all the performance-enhancing work that you'll be undertaking. Microsoft, as well as the other vendors cited in this section, has done great work in bringing to market a collection of powerful (yet easy-to-understand) tools and technologies that can help the database administrator or application developer deliver the fastest possible solution.

VII.3.1.1. Design your database with performance in mind

Conceptually, delivering a high-performance database isn't that different from many other technology design and delivery situations: It's always better to take performance considerations into account during the design phase rather than waiting until after the solution has been created and the related application code has been developed. Unfortunately, many database architects and application developers are under time constraints and forced to cut corners during the design and delivery phases of their projects. The resulting solution often has major structural inefficiencies that are difficult, (if not impossible) to correct after the project has been delivered to the users.

With this in mind, as a database designer or application developer, any performance-related effort you expend up front pays you back ...