One of the most important steps in desiging a database is establishing the data model. Part one of a two-part article describes how to create a logical model.

Under usual circumstances, the one-to-many or many-to-many relationship, alone, drives the pattern used within the database model. Certainly, the logical database model should represent the proper ...

When building up a logical design, primary keys should be identified by the actual data points in play. Generated or surrogate keys should be held in abeyance until dealing with the physical design ...