Post reply

Basic Question

  • February 7, 2003 at 3:58 am

    #80692

    I'm really trying to get this into my head, I'll explain my database first then ask the question.

    As in my previous threads I want to create a timesheet database where engineers can log in when 'off-site' and update their timesheets.

    I have two tables Person and Task

    Person:

    PersonID PK

    Firstname

    Lastname

    Middleinitial

    Department

    Task:

    TaskID PK

    Task

    TimeFrom

    TimeTo

    Taskdate

    PersonID FK

    Now the database will (hopefully) display the person information and the task information. But is the idea to store the person information from the beginning, I mean, the engineer will have to input these details everytime he wants to update the timesheet, so do I have to perform a list of checks to the original information or will it be updating the information everytime?

    Can anyone recommend any books on the actual design process, like what works and what doesn't. I have the SQL 7 training manual(Microsoft Press) and the Guru's guide to transact sql but I'd like more information on the actual design theory.

    Thanks for any help.

  • February 10, 2003 at 3:43 am

    #448491

    I would not update Person each time but use the input to identify the record to get the PersonID for the insert into the Task table. I would supply a different screen/app to insert/update Person details. What is important is that the correct Person is selected for the Task. With your Person table you would have a problem if you had two people with the same FirstName,LastName and MiddleInitial in the same department. Unlikely I know but as soon as it happens then the system fails and the only way to identify a record uniquely would by PersionID which you could use.

    In a case like this I would add two columns UserName and Password and use these to indentify them. I allow the user to choose a UserName as long as it is unique.

    Do not know about books though, I'm sure others could suggest something. I use past experience and knowledge to aid my design (bit of fly by seat of pants I'm afraid). Sorry not much help.

    Far away is close at hand in the images of elsewhere.
    Anon.

Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 1 (of 1 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login to reply