PHP and MySQL for Dynamic Web Sites: Visual QuickPro Guide, Fifth Edition

6. Database Design

In This Chapter

Normalization

Creating Indexes

Using Different Table Types

Languages and MySQL

Time Zones and MySQL

Foreign Key Constraints

Review and Pursue

Now that you have a basic understanding of databases, SQL, and MySQL, this chapter begins the process of taking that knowledge deeper. The focus in this chapter, as the title states, is real-world database design. Like the work done in Chapter 4, “Introduction to MySQL,” much of the effort in this chapter requires paper and pen—and serious thinking about what your applications will need to do.

The chapter begins with thorough coverage of database normalization, a vital approach to the design process. After that, the chapter turns to design-related concepts specific to ...