“This book takes the somewhat daunting process of database design and breaks it into completely manageable and understandable components. Mike’s approach whilst simple is completely professional, and I can recommend this book to any novice database designer.”

     –Sandra Barker, Lecturer, University of South Australia, Australia

“Databases are a critical infrastructure technology for information systems and today’s business. Mike Hernandez has written a literate explanation of database technology–a topic that is intricate and often obscure. If you design databases yourself, this book will educate you about pitfalls and show you what to do. If you purchase products that use a database, the book explains the technology so that you can understand what the vendor is doing and assess their products better.”

     –Michael Blaha, consultant and trainer, author of A Manager’s Guide to Database Technology

“If you told me that Mike Hernandez could improve on the first edition of Database Design for Mere Mortals I wouldn’t have believed you, but he did! The second edition is packed with more real-world examples, detailed explanations, and even includes database-design tools on the CD-ROM! This is a must-read for anyone who is even remotely interested in relational database design, from the individual who is called upon occasionally to create a useful tool at work, to the seasoned professional who wants to brush up on the fundamentals. Simply put, if you want to do it right, read this book!”

     –Matt Greer, Process Control Development, The Dow Chemical Company

“Mike’s approach to database design is totally common-sense based, yet he’s adhered to all the rules of good relational database design. I use Mike’s books in my starter database-design class, and I recommend his books to anyone who’s interested in learning how to design databases or how to write SQL queries.”

     –Michelle Poolet, President, MVDS, Inc.

“Slapping together sophisticated applications with poorly designed data will hurt you just as much now as when Mike wrote his first edition, perhaps even more. Whether you’re just getting started developing with data or are a seasoned pro; whether you've read Mike’s previous book or this is your first; whether you're happier letting someone else design your data or you love doing it yourself–this is the book for you. Mike’s ability to explain these concepts in a way that’s not only clear, but fun, continues to amaze me.”

     –From the Foreword by Ken Getz, MCW Technologies, coauthor ASP.NET Developer's JumpStart

“The first edition of Mike Hernandez’s book Database Design for Mere Mortals was one of the few books that survived the cut when I moved my office to smaller quarters. The second edition expands and improves on the original in so many ways. It is not only a good, clear read, but contains a remarkable quantity of clear, concise thinking on a very complex subject. It’s a must for anyone interested in the subject of database design.”

     –Malcolm C. Rubel, Performance Dynamics Associates

“Mike’s excellent guide to relational database design deserves a second edition. His book is an essential tool for fledgling Microsoft Access and other desktop database developers, as well as for client/server pros. I recommend it highly to all my readers.”

     –Roger Jennings, author of Special Edition Using Access 2002

“There are no silver bullets! Database technology has advanced dramatically, the newest crop of database servers perform operations faster than anyone could have imagined six years ago, but none of these technological advances will help fix a bad database design, or capture data that you forgot to include! Database Design for Mere Mortals™, Second Edition, helps you design your database right in the first place!”

     –Matt Nunn, Product Manager, SQL Server, Microsoft Corporation

“When my brother started his professional career as a developer, I gave him Mike’s book to help him understand database concepts and make real-world application of database technology. When I need a refresher on the finer points of database design, this is the book I pick up. I do not think that there is a better testimony to the value of a book than that it gets used. For this reason I have wholeheartedly recommended to my peers and students that they utilize this book in their day-to-day development tasks.”

     –Chris Kunicki, Senior Consultant, OfficeZealot.com

“Mike has always had an incredible knack for taking the most complex topics, breaking them down, and explaining them so that anyone can ‘get it.’ He has honed and polished his first very, very good edition and made it even better. If you're just starting out building database applications, this book is a must-read cover to cover. Expert designers will find Mike’s approach fresh and enlightening and a source of great material for training others.”

     –John Viescas, President, Viescas Consulting, Inc., author of Running Microsoft Access 2000 and coauthor of SQL Queries for Mere Mortals

“Whether you need to learn about relational database design in general, design a relational database, understand relational database terminology, or learn best practices for implementing a relational database, Database Design for Mere Mortals™, Second Edition, is an indispensable book that you’ll refer to often. With his many years of real-world experience designing relational databases, Michael shows you how to analyze and improve existing databases, implement keys, define table relationships and business rules, and create data views, resulting in data integrity, uniform access to data, and reduced data-entry errors.”

     –Paul Cornell, Site Editor, MSDN Office Developer Center

Sound database design can save hours of development time and ensure functionality and reliability. Database Design for Mere Mortals™, Second Edition, is a straightforward, platform-independent tutorial on the basic principles of relational database design. It provides a commonsense design methodology for developing databases that work.

Database design expert Michael J. Hernandez has expanded his best-selling first edition, maintaining its hands-on approach and accessibility while updating its coverage and including even more examples and illustrations.

This edition features a CD-ROM that includes diagrams of sample databases, as well as design guidelines, documentation forms, and examples of the database design process.

This book will give you the knowledge and tools you need to create efficient and effective relational databases.

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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