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Databases or relational database systems have always been a subject with a "steep learning curve". Students tend to find it challenging, and learning takes much more effort than other subjects.

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Databases or relational database systems have always been a subject with a "steep learning curve". Students tend to find it challenging, and learning takes much more effort than other subjects.

To my surprise, I am one of many people who have observed this trend. There is, in fact, a small niche of research papers written on this topic.

So why is it so challenging? When I think of how we might overcome some challenges when learning databases instantly, I think of one fact that remains true, which goes back to even when I started learning database systems. There needed to be more examples or actual database design in practice.

This course aims to help support anyone starting their journey into relational database systems by establishing underpinning skills and concepts of database and database design by working through practical scenario reasoning and providing the rationale to design decisions. Nothing beats experience in most subjects. That is amplified in the realms of relational database development. With the knowledge and experience gained in the course in hand, I hope that on completion of this course, it will provide the scaffolding, underpinning knowledge to support your endeavours in the world of relational database development.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Build a database design from a given set of requirements
  • Determine a set of prelimiary entities and attributes to start a database design
  • Normalise a database design into 1nf taking into consideration multivalued and miltipart fields
  • Establish table candidate and primary keys
  • Normalise a database design into 2nf taking into consideration partial key dependencies
  • Identify multiple types of table relationships and define relationships between tables
  • Normalise a database design into 3nf taking into consideration transitive dependencies
  • Develop database design solutions to common features of a blog application

Syllabus

Introduction
Course Resources
Relational Database Underpinning Knowledge
Key Terminology: Databases, RDBMS, and the Data Lifecycle
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Key Terminology: Entity and Tables
Key Terminology: Attributes and Fields
Database Design Objectives
Stage 1: Project Initiation
Project Introduction: Designing a Blog Database
Stage 2: Establishing Entities and Attributes
Introducing the Entities
Identifying Significant Entities
Project: Approach 1 – Formulate the Preliminary Entity List
Project: Lucid Chart
Project: Approach 1 – Associate Attributes with Entities
Project: Approach 2 – Identifying Entities from a List of Attributes
Illustrating a Database Design – Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD)
Table and Field Naming Convention [19]
Stage 3: Refining the Table Structures
Normalisation and 1NF
Multivalued Fields
Project: Identify and Resolve Multivalued Fields
Multipart (composite) Fields
Project: Identify and Resolve Multipart Fields
Stage 4: Establishing Keys
Table Keys
Candidate Key
Primary Key
Project: Establishing Table Keys
Stage 5: Dependency
Dependency
Normalization Second Normal Form (2NF)
Partial Key Dependencies
Project: Identify and Resolve Partial Key Dependencies
Stage 6: Establishing Table Relationships
Table Relationships
Identifying Table Relationships
One-to-Many
Many-to-Many
One-to-One
Project: Establishing Table Relationships
Stage 7: Normalization 3NF
Normalization Third Normal Form (3NF)
Transitive Dependency
Project: Identity and Resolving Transitive Dependencies
Stage 8: Expanding the Database Design
Project Requirement: Capture User Actions
Project Requirement: Alert to Any Objectionable Material by Flagging
Project Requirement: Custom Post Attributes
Project Requirement: Post Comments
Project Requirement: Post Ratings

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong theoretical foundation for relational database systems.
Develops practical skills for relational database design
Takes a beginner-friendly approach, making the material accessible to those new to database systems
Covers key concepts and techniques in database design, including normalization, data modeling, and query optimization
Provides hands-on practice through practical scenario reasoning and design decisions
Course objectives are clearly stated and aligned with the course content

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Practical Database Design - Blog Schema with these activities:
Practice Example Databases
Practice applying database design principles by working through example databases and exercises.
Browse courses on Application Development
Show steps
  • Obtain sample database design questions or exercises.
  • Review the requirements and constraints of the database design.
  • Design and normalize the database.
  • Create the database and tables.
  • Insert sample data into the database.
Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete Practical Database Design - Blog Schema will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Database Administrator
Database Administrators ensure data integrity and accessibility in an organization, overseeing the implementation, maintenance, and security of database systems. This course helps equip you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this role by teaching you the principles of database design, normalization, and data modeling. By understanding how to design and manage databases effectively, you can make informed decisions about data storage, retrieval, and security.
Database Architect
Database Architects design and manage the overall architecture of database systems, ensuring data integrity, performance, and scalability. This course provides a strong foundation for aspiring Database Architects, teaching them the principles of database design, normalization, and optimization.
Data Engineer
Data Engineers design, build, and maintain data pipelines and systems that support data-driven decision-making. This course provides valuable insights into database design principles and techniques. By understanding how to create and manage databases effectively, you can contribute to the development of robust and scalable data infrastructure.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts are responsible for extracting insights from data to aid decision-making in organizations. This course can provide a solid foundation for aspiring Data Analysts by teaching the concepts of database design and normalization. Understanding how data is structured and organized is critical for efficient data analysis and interpretation.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use statistical and machine learning techniques to extract insights from data. This course can be beneficial for those interested in leveraging databases for data science applications. By understanding database design principles, you can effectively access, manage, and analyze large datasets.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course may be helpful for those interested in specializing in database-related software development. Understanding database design concepts allows you to create applications that effectively interact with and manage data.
Information Architect
Information Architects design and organize the structure and content of information systems. This course can be useful for aspiring Information Architects, as it provides insights into the principles of data modeling and database design. Understanding how to structure and organize data effectively is essential for creating user-friendly and efficient information systems.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts identify and analyze business needs and processes to improve efficiency and productivity. This course may be helpful for Business Analysts who want to specialize in data-related analysis. Understanding database design principles allows you to effectively extract and interpret data to support decision-making.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation and instructions for software and technology products. This course may be beneficial for aspiring Technical Writers who專門撰寫關於資料庫和資料管理系統的主題。了解資料庫設計概念使您可以編寫清楚且精確的文件,説明技術受眾了解資料庫系統的功能和使用。
User Experience Designer
User Experience Designers create user interfaces and experiences for websites, software applications, and other digital products. This course may be helpful for User Experience Designers who want to specialize in designing data-intensive applications. Understanding database design principles allows you to create user interfaces that effectively interact with and display data.
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the overall vision and strategy of software products. This course may be helpful for Product Managers who want to specialize in data-driven products. Understanding database design principles can assist you in making informed decisions about data collection, storage, and analysis.
Marketing Analyst
Marketing Analysts use data to analyze marketing campaigns and customer behavior. This course may be useful for Marketing Analysts who want to specialize in data-driven marketing strategies. Understanding database design principles allows you to effectively collect, manage, and analyze customer data to support marketing initiatives.
Salesforce Administrator
Salesforce Administrators manage and customize Salesforce software instances to meet the unique needs of their organizations. This course may be helpful for aspiring Salesforce Administrators who want to specialize in data management. Understanding database design principles can assist you in effectively managing and organizing data within Salesforce.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and deliver projects within an organization. This course may be helpful for Project Managers who want to specialize in data-related projects. Understanding database design principles can assist you in effectively managing data-related tasks and ensuring data quality and accessibility throughout the project lifecycle.
Data Quality Analyst
Data Quality Analysts ensure the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of data in an organization. This course may be useful for aspiring Data Quality Analysts who want to specialize in database data quality. Understanding database design principles can assist you in effectively identifying and resolving data quality issues.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Practical Database Design - Blog Schema.
This textbook provides a comprehensive and in-depth treatment of database management systems, covering both theoretical and practical aspects. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to gain a deep understanding of database systems and their applications.
This textbook provides a practical and hands-on approach to data modeling and database design, covering the entire process from requirements gathering to database implementation. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn how to design and implement effective database systems.
Provides a comprehensive and in-depth guide to MongoDB, covering all the essential concepts, techniques, and technologies. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to gain a deep understanding of MongoDB and its applications.
Provides a comprehensive and in-depth guide to MySQL, covering all the essential concepts, techniques, and technologies. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to gain a deep understanding of MySQL and its applications.
Provides a simple and easy-to-follow guide to SQL, covering the essential syntax and commands. It valuable resource for anyone who is new to SQL or for those who want to learn the basics of SQL.
Provides a practical and approachable guide to data modeling and database design, covering the entire process from requirements gathering to database implementation. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn how to design and implement effective database systems.

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