Names

Owned by Computer Science Department
Aug 02, 2023
2 min read

The naming phase in database design is crucial for creating an understandable and maintainable database structure. While it might seem like a minor detail, proper naming can greatly enhance the readability and interpretability of the database, and make it much easier for developers and users to work with.

Here are some general guidelines that are often followed during the naming phase:

  1. Descriptive Names: Each table and column name should clearly indicate what data it contains. For example, a table that stores information about employees might be called "Employees", and columns in this table could be named "EmployeeID", "FirstName", "LastName", "Email", etc.

  2. Consistency: It's important to be consistent in how names are chosen. For example, if you have multiple tables that contain some kind of unique identifier, you might choose to always name this column "ID", or always include the table name in the column name (e.g., "EmployeeID", "DepartmentID"). Similarly, if you use a specific naming convention for primary and foreign keys, it should be used consistently throughout the database.

  3. Conventions and Standards: There are certain conventions that are commonly used in database naming. For example, table names are often plural (e.g., "Employees" rather than "Employee"), and names are often given in CamelCase or snake_case. It's also common to prefix stored procedures with 'sp_', views with 'v_', and other object types with similar prefixes.

  4. Avoid Reserved Words: SQL and specific database management systems (DBMS) have certain reserved words that should not be used as object names (e.g., "Table", "Select", "Insert"). These can cause confusion and potential errors.

  5. Simplicity: Names should be simple and easy to understand, while still being descriptive. Avoid overly long or complex names.

  6. Abbreviations: Use abbreviations sparingly and only when they are commonly known. When in doubt, spell it out.

Remember that while these are general guidelines, the specific standards and conventions may vary depending on the DBMS, the organization, or the particular project. The key is to choose a set of conventions that makes sense for your specific context, and then apply them consistently throughout the database.