Introduction to Physical Design

Introduction to Physical Design

This section contains the following topics:

Overview

Data Structure Diagram

Steps in the Physical Database Design Process

Physical Database Structures

SQL and Non-SQL Definitions

Overview

The database designer is responsible for efficient access to the database no matter how that database is implemented. This means that a complete logical and physical database design must take place prior to implementation.

In the first seven chapters, you worked through the process for creating a logical database design based on business functions and rules. You are now ready to make physical design decisions.

What is physical database design?

Physical database design is the process of tailoring the logical model to specific application performance requirements. During this phase of database design, you need to plan the best use of computer storage resources and provide for the most efficient data access.

At the conclusion of the logical design process, you should have documentation that represents the data model required to support the organization's information resource. As a result of normalization, you should also have an organized list of data entities. With these resources, you are prepared to make intelligent decisions about how to optimize database performance. This is the physical database design process.