A database is a collection of data that represents important objects in a user's business. The database umbrella covers many areas, including relational design, data semantics, DBMS software, and physical file design. In studying each area individually, one might not grasp the relationships between them. However, it is important to understand how the areas are related in order to provide information and applications that fulfill user needs. After all, the primary purpose of a DBMS is to provide the user with a workable, meaningful, and relevant system.
Database design is a process consisting of many steps.
Although different designers may use different methods, generally the process follows a basic pattern of data modeling, a description of the data to the database, and physical implementation of the database. It is important to note that these phases often overlap and that some techniques and tools may be used in more than one stage, especially between analysis and design. For example, although the data dictionary is usually introduced in the analysis stage, it is often carried over into the design phase and later used by the database administrator in the maintenance stage. However, because the field of database design is so varied, the material presented here is basic. Keep in mind that many database terms are used interchangeably and that tools and techniques are often perceptual.