Beginning Database Design Solutions introduces IT professionals---both DBAs and database developers--to database design. It explains what databases are, their goals, and why proper design is necessary to achieve those goals. It tells how to decide what should be in a database to meet the application’s requirements. It tells how to structure the database so it gives good performance while minimizing the chance for error.

Each chapter begins with a list of topics covered and ends with a summary providing a descriptive and bulleted list of the key points described in the chapter. Each chapter them includes a list of review questions and a series of exercises to help beginners and students solidify the concepts presented in the chapter.

The book is presented in five parts.   Part 1 provides a quick overview of database and database design fundamentals.   Part 2 then moves quickly to explain the methods and techniques for creating an initial logical design and then refining it into a good database that meets users' requirements.  Part 3 shows how to implement the design using specific types of database platforms---MySQL and Microsoft Access---that should be readily available to beginners.  Part 4 then walks readers through a detailed, pragmatic case example illustrating all phases of the design process.  Part 5 covers advanced topics including how to build databases using SQL scripts, as well as guidelines for database maintenance and security.

The appendixes provide solutions to exercises, as well as sample database designs for common business functions such as order entry, tracking, and fulfillmnet, which readers can directly implement in their own database projects.