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geoffrey
28,736 PointsDesigning our database, how important is it ?
Hello there, I've just finished the tutorial "Database Fundations". That was very good and well explained.
However, there is something I'm wondering I would like to ask to experienced web developers/treehouse teachers or at least people confortable with databases.
In the tutorial, we learn how to create tables, alter and etc... In ohters words, how to manipulate and create our database, but we don't talk about the fact how we should design it.
Is it something not really important as webdeveloper ? I know there are methods such as 'Merise' giving you some methods, to avoid mistakes, and respect some rules.
Maybe that's not important on small projects with small database, not sure, but I'd like to be informed, to know If that's really something I have to be confortable with.
Thank you.
3 Answers
James Barnett
39,199 PointsIn general, good database design is like good software design. You might not see the problem with poorly written code when you are dealing with just a few hundred lines of code.
However, when programs start to grow in complexity good software/database design becomes much more important.
geoffrey
28,736 PointsOk, that's something we learn with experience as well I guess... As we say, we learn as well from mistakes. I'm going to focus on PHP at the moment and I'll eventually have to dive into it again later.
Thank you for your answer.
Patrick Cooney
12,216 PointsDatabase design is pretty dang important. Like James said, the more complex the more important it is. In fact many places with large databases (universities, large corporations, etc.) will have a DBA or Database Architect. Their whole job is to design the schema of the database to be as efficient as possible.