Notes

Database Design

Notes: Database Design

For an example of a Dynamic Web site click here.

This database example was a project for the Delivery of News Online class. The project was designed to familiarize students with Dreamweaver UltraDev 4 and databases.

Designing a database front end in Dreamweaver can be a complicated matter if unfamiliar with databases. As difficult as the procedure may be, many sites on the Web are using databases to store user information. The front end means the consumer or user side of the database. The back end of the database is where the actual data tables and hidden scripts are located. The database is similar to Excel, but serves different functions.

Examples of database programs are Access (low-end consumer product), Filemaker Pro (low-end program) and Oracle (high-end product).

A format suggestion is to only name tables in uppercase. In databases there are three primary names to be aware of, Fields (columns), Records (rows) and ID Fields (primary key field). The ID fields use unique names such as numbers.

In the design, it is recommended to use a pop-up menu for limited number of choices.

When a user can enter information (interactive) that is instantly updated, the site is considered dynamic.