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Chapter 3 | Creating databases 53
8. For each table, decide which fields will store data, and which ones will be used from other
(related) tables.
Based on a table’s subject, you can see where it makes sense to store the data and where to
use data from a related table. Other than match fields, all fields should appear only once in your
database. Cross out occurrences of fields that don’t pertain to the table’s subject.
9. Determine the relationships between the tables. In your plan, draw a line from each match field
in a table to the corresponding match field in the related table.
What establishes a relationship between tables is that their match fields contain matching data.
Relationships also make it possible to group your data to resolve complex queries. For
example, relationships can be used to determine current inventory levels, sales projections,
and other tasks where it is necessary to query data across multiple tables. For more information
about relationships, see
chapter 4, “Working with related tables and files.”
10. Determine whether you need to share your database with other users, and how they will
access the file.
For more information about sharing databases, see “Sharing databases on a network” on
page 115.
11. If you’re designing the database for other people to use, show them your paper plan and ask
them to review it and suggest any changes.
Customer ID
Address
Phone
Customer Name
Country
Salesperson
Customers table
Products table
Line Items table
Order Date
Customer ID
Order Date
Invoice ID
Invoice ID
Unit Price
Product ID
Qty
Subtotal
Discount
Extended Price
Product Name
Total
Total in Stock
Order Date
Product ID
Unit Price
Product Name
Stock
Category
Invoices table
Region
Region
Salesperson
Discount
Total in Stock
Customer ID
Address
Phone
Customer Name
Country
Salesperson
Customers table
Products table
Line Items table
Order Date
Customer ID
Order Date
Invoice ID
Invoice ID
Unit Price
Product ID
Qty
Subtotal
Discount
Extended Price
Product Name
Total
Total in Stock
Order Date
Product ID
Unit Price
Product Name
Stock
Category
Invoices table
Region
Region
Salesperson
Discount
Total in Stock