The+3+stages+of+database+design

Introduction
The process of planning and designing a database system is important if the database is to be produced correctly. There are 3 stages to the design process


 * 1. Conceptual database design**

This process requires a model of all of the information in a system to be produced


 * 2. Logical database design**

This process involves the design of a database, but does not take into consideration which database system will be used, or which hardware platform the database will be run on


 * 3. Physical database design**

This stage involves the design of the database which will be specific to the software and hardware to be used

Entities, attributes and relationships
The process of database design is concerned with three main things:


 * Entities** - something we want to record information about


 * Attributes** - something which stores information about the entity


 * Relationships** - describes how two entities are related

Questions
1. Imagine you had to design a database of pupils in your class and teachers in your school. (a) What would be the 2 entities in this model? (b) List 5 attributes for each entity (c) Describe the relationship between the entities

2. Hi-Music are a record label who have a number of bands for whom they release CDs (a) What would be the 3 entities in this model? (b) List 5 attributes for each entity (c) Describe the relationship between the entities