Learning more about Database Design

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Learning more about Database Design

TheComedian

SSCrazy

Points: 2932
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April 19, 2016 at 5:15 am

#310040

Hi,
I'm currently interested in learning more about database design since I think I'm ready for a data architect position. Currently I have 8.5 years of SQL Server experience: 5 as a software developer (SQL Server, .NET and other technologies) and 3.5 years as a SQL Server consultant (focusing on datawarehousing, reporting, T-SQL, SSIS, SSRS, SSAS - mostly multidimensional). I've also earned my SQL Server 2012/2014 BI Solutions Expert certification.
Nonetheless I would like to learn more about design patterns and architecture for SQL Server. By design patterns, I don't mean tips like "make sure your database fields have meaningful names". I mean complex issues such as what hardware to choose, how to choose how many and how big the data files in a database are to be etc. I've had experience in that field but I would like to have more exposure.
Can anybody recommend any books or materials to improve my understanding?

Viewing 5 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)

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Luis Cazares SSC Guru Points: 183706 More actions · Answer 1

Have you gone to the books section[/url] on this site?

The SQL Server Hardware by Glenn Berry and Troubleshooting SQL Server: A Guide for the Accidental DBA by Jonathan Kehayias and Ted Krueger should give you a good start.

Luis C.
General Disclaimer:
Are you seriously taking the advice and code from someone from the internet without testing it? Do you at least understand it? Or can it easily kill your server?

How to post data/code on a forum to get the best help: Option 1 / Option 2

Grant Fritchey SSC Guru Points: 398909 More actions · Answer 2

On top of what Luis recommends, great selection by the way, I'd suggest getting a copy of Kalen Delaney's SQL Server Internals. That's a fantastic collection of in-depth information about how SQL Server works.

"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood"
- Theodore Roosevelt

Author of:
SQL Server Execution Plans
SQL Server Query Performance Tuning

TheComedian SSCrazy Points: 2932 More actions · Answer 3

Thanks for the suggestions guys; they look like interesting reads as I have already downloaded them.

S t e f SSC Eights! Points: 977 More actions · Answer 4

Hi

A couple of resources I have found useful lately:

A good MOOC site with content from Microsoft and Universities

https://www.edx.org

Data Management Framework, covers the lifecycle of data management, the DAMA-DMBOK is very good reference material and helps implement good processes and practices

https://www.dama.org/

Data Modelling Essentials by Simsion and Witt

And if you're interested in looking at different types of Database Engines then I would recommend Seven Databases in Seven Weeks by Redmond and Wilson for a brief overview.

Hope this helps.

Stef.