File and Database Design; Logic Modeling

Class 24

SDLC Project Identification

& Selection

Project Initiation & Planning

Analysis Logical Design Physical Design *** Implementation

Maintenance

Databases

File Systems Databases

Hierarchical Database Model Network Database Model Relational Database Model Object Oriented Database Model

File Systems

Each new application is designed with its own set of files. Problems:

Changes in files require changes to programs. Uncontrolled redundancy Inconsistent data Limited data sharing

Database Approach

Negatives

Postives

Need new, specialized personnel Need for explicit backups Interference due to shared data Organizational conflict

Minimal data redundancy Consistent data Integration of data Sharing of data Data independence Ease of application development Reduced program maintenance

Designing a relational database

Create a table (file) for each entity type. Choose a primary key for each table. Choose appropriate data types and value restrictions for each field. Create new tables to represent many-tomany relationships. Add foreign keys to represent one-to-many relationships. Define referential integrity constraints. Evaluate schema quality and make necessary improvements.

What were looking at

Databases, Tables (files, entities), Records, Fields (attributes)

How well define above in the Data Dictionary

Tables

Each entity on your ER diagram will become a table in your database.

Records

A row in the table. A group of fields (or attributes) stored in adjacent memory locations and retrieved together as a unit.

Fields

May also be called an attribute or data element.

All fields (or attributes on your ER diagram) will be defined in the Data Dictionary.

Fields

Name Data type Primary key(s) Data integrity Handling missing data Ownership

Data Integrity

Default value Picture control Range controls Null Value controls

Data Dictionary

The repository of all data definitions for all organizational applications.

What well show in a DD:

Table (file) (entity) name All fields (attributes) within the table. For each field:

Name Note if primary key Definition/description of field Data type (page 352, or whether its numeric or character plus the length)

TABLE: PIG
Primary Key

Attribute Name PigID

Attribute Definition

Attribute Type

The unique identifier of the pig

5 numeric characters

PigName

The name of the pig

15 alpha characters

PigWeight

The weight, in pounds and ounces of the pig

6 numeric characters, with 2 numbers after the decimal

PigGender

The gender of the pig either male or female

1 alpha character, M or F are allowed

Logic Modeling

Knowing whats going on inside the programs. What is the logic to create the reports, calculated fields? Well show logic modeling through use of decision trees and decision tables.

Decision Tables

A matrix representation of the logic of a decision, which specifies the possible conditions for the decision and the resulting actions.

Condition stubs Action stubs Rules

Steps in creating Decision tables:

Name all conditions and the values each condition can assume. Name all possible actions that can occur. List all possible rules based on every possible combination of conditions. Define the actions for each rule. Simplify the decision table by removing indifferent conditions.

Examples!

Decision Trees

A graphical representation of a decision situation in which decision situation points (nodes) are connected together by arcs (one for each alternative on a decision) and terminate in ovals (the action that is the result of all of the decisions made on the path leading to the oval

Decision trees

Often used for statistical reasons for calculating probabilities and making choices based on probabilities. Used more often for simpler problems.

Examples!