Introduction: Now That You Have A Grasp Of SQL Let's Start

Introductionnow That You Have A Grasp Of Sql Lets Start To Get Famil

Introduction now that you have a grasp of SQL, let's start to get familiar with a database! Make sure you review the overviews of a variety of database platforms. For this course, we will work with Microsoft SQL Server. In the real world, remember, it's all about the right tool for the right job. Microsoft SQL was chosen for this class because it is well-known in the field and provides a good foundational understanding of databases with a management tool that is GUI-based.

Download Microsoft Access and use your tables to build your relationships. Refer to the lecture video (Panopto) for help. Once your relationship is built, review the ERD diagram inside Access. If it is different than your original diagram, write a no more than one-page summary of what has changed and why. Think about what data is missing from your database, and add one additional source to your design if needed.

Paper For Above instruction

The assignment involves gaining practical experience with database design and management using Microsoft Access. After establishing a foundational understanding of SQL, students are directed to build and visualize relationships among tables within Access. This hands-on activity emphasizes the importance of understanding database relationships and the ERD (Entity-Relationship Diagram) as a visual tool for database design.

Initially, students are instructed to utilize their existing tables to construct relationships. This step is critical, as it mirrors real-world database construction, where understanding how tables interact is essential for creating efficient data models. The process is supplemented by a lecture video (Panopto), which provides guidance on building relationships, ensuring students have a reference to troubleshoot and refine their work.

Once relationships are in place, students are asked to review the ERD diagram generated by Access. This step tests their ability to interpret system-generated diagrams and compare them against their initial designs. If discrepancies arise between the original diagram and Access’s ERD, students must compose a concise, one-page summary explaining what changes occurred and the rationale behind these modifications. This encourages critical thinking about the nature of database design and the automatic adjustments made by the software.

Additionally, students are prompted to consider potential gaps in their database schema—such as missing data or relationships—and to enhance their design by integrating at least one additional data source. This step underscores the iterative nature of database development, where initial designs are refined through analysis and expansion to meet comprehensive data requirements.

The final deliverables include a saved copy of the ERD from Access, specifically showing the relationships among tables, along with the updated data source if modifications were made. Reflection on the process, particularly the changes observed during dataset creation, is expected to provide insight into challenges faced and lessons learned. This reflective component fosters a deeper understanding of database design principles and the practical considerations involved in constructing robust data models.

References

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• IBM Knowledge Center. (2020). Designing and Implementing Databases with Access. IBM.