Sound design can save you hours of development time before you write a single line of code. Based on the author's years of experience teaching this material, Database Design for Mere Mortals is a straightforward, platform-independent tutorial on the basic principles of relational database design.

Database design expert Michael J. Hernandez introduces the core concepts of design theory and method without the technical jargon. Database Design for Mere Mortals will provide any developer with a common-sense design methodology for developing databases that work.

0201694719B04062001

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 126 Ratings

perfect for a n00b - 2009-02-04
Reviewer Rating:
This book was just the text I was looking for as a n00b data base designer looking to build a data base for a pet project of mine. I'm a forester and forest planner, not a computer specialist. Thus, I needed instruction from the ground up, and this book fit the bill.

Some specific praise: First, the book bridged the gap between administrative needs (or in my case, general concept) and logical design. How do we get from those notes and vague understanding of the administrative environment to a specific design? This book helps. Second, it give the reader a basic understanding of the terminology. Third, it explains relationships. Finally, it provides a methodology (constructing table descriptions and field specifications) for creating tight data structures.

Some advice: Get the 1st edition of this book and a couple others (like "The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Relational Databases") and learn the general concepts for as little money as possible. Supplement these books with one good new book that's specific to your RDBMS, and you're off and running. (At least, that's my approach, and it's working for me -- a n00b with a limited R&D budget.)

Conclusion: a great book for an introductory understanding of relational databases.

A must read for anyone serious about database design - 2009-10-05
Reviewer Rating:
This is probably the single best book on database design I've read. It assumes some background in databases to begin with though, so I would recommend the reader to be familiar with at least one RDMS prior to reading this one. The key here is the method of designing a database: the interview process, the pragmatic approach to understanding the needs of a business before writing any SQL, etc. In other words, don't pick this one up expecting to learn how to design the next Borland engine, read it to discover how to make a living as a professional DBA.

The pragmatic programmer would compliment this book nicely for a senior level DBA course.

A Must Read - 2009-09-09
Reviewer Rating:
A must read for anyone, whether your considering a career in database development, an experienced developer, or your managing a team of developers. Explains the logical database design process from start to finish without being application specific.

A firm foundation - 2009-09-04
Reviewer Rating:
This book gives a firm foundation to beginners in relational databases, and will also help correct common faults of those who are more experienced.
If it has a fault it is that it is somewhat repetitious but then this may be a good thing for many of us who skim over texts.

One of the best database design books out there! - 2008-04-08
Reviewer Rating:
This is one of the best database books I own. The author does a good job of explaining the basics and he guides you through the entire design process. Some chapters may be wordy for some people, but the author is trying to target everyone from novice to advanced user so this isn't surprising.

I have been a database user for years and already understood many database concepts, but this book fills in the gaps of what I didn't know. I recommend this book for anyone who needs to design or support database applications. It's a great book!

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