Database Development Process - Essay Example

The paper "Database Development Process" is an outstanding example of an essay on information technology. Functional decomposition, conceptual schemas, enterprise data modeling, and the overall development lifecycle process are important terms related to database development. Each of these is discussed briefly in this paper.

Functional decomposition is “the process of breaking down the functions of an organization into progressively greater levels of detail” (Singh, 2009, p.327). Each function is described in fine detail in terms of the other functions. The purpose is to breakdown the different modules to the simplest unit, which helps to eliminate redundancies, anomalies and any inconsistencies. Singh (2009) gives the algorithm for decomposing R, the universal relation schema, into D, the set of relation schemas which is the decomposition of R.

A conceptual schema describes the data stored in a database management system in terms of its data model (Gupta, 2007, p.4). It is a description of the relations involved, the kind of records contained, and the method for deriving objects conceptually from the objects from an internal perspective. It is distinguished, therefore, from the physical and external schemas, which specify the storage details and define the logical records and relationships from an external view.
However, the first step in developing a database is enterprise data modelling “in which the scope and general contents of organizational databases are specified” (ELAC, 2009). It is usually depicted by entity-relationship diagrams. The entire “process of designing, implementing and maintaining a database system to meet strategic or operational information needs of an organization or enterprise” (Singh, 2009, p.300) is known as the database development life cycle. As such, it is typically a part of the software development life cycle, and its typical components are shown in the diagram below and enumerated as under:
Feasibility study and requirement analysis
 - Database design
- Database implement
- Data and application conversion
- Testing and validation
- Monitoring and maintenance

Database development is clearly a process that requires careful planning commensurate with its complexity. The four terms discussed are all important parts or aspects to ensure the development process is as smooth and efficient as possible and which fulfills the users’ needs. Read More