The #1 Easy, Commonsense Guide to Database Design—Now Updated
Foreword by Michelle Poolet, Mount Vernon Data Systems LLC

Database Design for Mere Mortals has earned worldwide respect as the simplest way to learn relational database design. Now, this hands-on, software independent tutorial is even clearer and easier to use.

Step by step, this new 25th Anniversary Edition shows you how to design modern databases that are soundly structured, reliable, and flexible, even in the latest online applications. Michael Hernandez guides you through everything from planning to defining tables, fields, keys, table relationships, business rules, and views. You will learn practical ways to improve data integrity, how to avoid common mistakes, and when to break the rules. Updated review questions and figures help you learn these techniques more easily and effectively.


Understand database types, models, and design terminology
Perform interviews to efficiently capture requirements—even if everyone works remotely
Set clear design objectives and transform them into effective designs
Analyze a current database so you can identify ways to improve it
Establish table structures and relationships, assign primary keys, set field specifications, and set up views
Ensure the correct level of data integrity for each database
Identify and establish business rules
Preview and prepare for the future of relational databases


Whatever relational database systems you use, Hernandez will help you design databases that are robust and trustworthy. Never designed a database before? Settling for inadequate generic designs? Running existing databases that need improvement? Start here.