Looking for recommendations for good data modeling books

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Looking for recommendations for good data modeling books

WayneS

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Points: 95460
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February 9, 2010 at 9:13 pm

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I'd like to get better at data modeling. As such, I'm looking for recommendations for some good books that go into this, and it should include 1NF/2NF/3NF at a minimum. Ideally, it would cover theory and practical application of the theory.
Thanks!
Wayne
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server 2008
Author - SQL Server T-SQL Recipes
If you can't explain to another person how the code that you're copying from the internet works, then DON'T USE IT on a production system! After all, you will be the one supporting it!
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sqlvogel SSCrazy Eights Points: 9526 More actions · Answer 1

"Information Modeling and Relational Databases" by Terry Halpin

"Practical Issues in Data Management" by Fabian Pascal

C.J.Date's "Relational Database Writings" series of books are all very good on database problems and concepts, although they are not data modelling books as such. Unfortunately some volumes are out of print but you may get hold of them second hand.

it should include 1NF/2NF/3NF at a minimum.

Actually 2NF/3NF are not so important in practical database design as their higher NF brothers and sisters. BCNF and 5NF are more fundamental. If you practice BCNF / 5NF in database design then you can safely ignore the lesser NFs.

sqlvogel SSCrazy Eights Points: 9526 More actions · Answer 2

Another book I highly recommend: "Data and Reality" by William Kent. Not much about how to design a database but lots about understanding the problems of data and data models.

WayneS SSC Guru Points: 95460 More actions · Answer 3

David,

Thanks for taking the time to make these recommendations.

Wayne
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server 2008
Author - SQL Server T-SQL Recipes

If you can't explain to another person how the code that you're copying from the internet works, then DON'T USE IT on a production system! After all, you will be the one supporting it!

Links:
For better assistance in answering your questions
Performance Problems
Common date/time routines
Understanding and Using APPLY Part 1 & Part 2

WayneS SSC Guru Points: 95460 More actions · Answer 4

In case this helps anyone else, here are the amazon links to these books:

"Information Modeling and Relational Databases" by Terry Halpin

"Practical Issues in Data Management" by Fabian Pascal

C.J.Date's "Relational Database Writings" series of books

http://www.amazon.com/Relational-Database-Writings-1985-1989-Chris/dp/0201508818

http://www.amazon.com/Relational-Database-Selected-Writings-Date/dp/0201141965/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b

"Data and Reality" by William Kent

Wayne
Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server 2008
Author - SQL Server T-SQL Recipes

If you can't explain to another person how the code that you're copying from the internet works, then DON'T USE IT on a production system! After all, you will be the one supporting it!

Links:
For better assistance in answering your questions
Performance Problems
Common date/time routines
Understanding and Using APPLY Part 1 & Part 2

S t e f SSC Eights! Points: 977 More actions · Answer 5

I'm currently reading "Pro SQL Server 2008 Relational Database Design and Implementation" it doesn't just teach you the theory but also has some good techniques in there that really get you thinking about anything you currently have and also ideas for anything thats coming up in the future.

I'd definately recommend this to anyone.

Amazon link below:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Server-Relational-Database-Design-Implementation/dp/143020866X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265841129&sr=8-2