12.7: Concise Summary

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Physical database design translates the logical data model into a set of SQL statements that define the database. For relational database systems, it is relatively easy to translate from a logical data model into a physical database (“Physical Database Design,” n.d.). The design process is a collaborative one where preliminary information is collected to determine technical properties of the database, such as response times and data security. In the database design process, fields are heavily emphasized to determine the corresponding attributes and logical data model. Often, a database design is concerned with data partioning of large tables, which are partitioned into smaller, individual tables, allowing for more efficient processing of data and database performance overall.

The database design process is also concerned with file organization of physical files. File organization is responsible for managing records of a file on a secondary storage device. Physical file organization is typically divided into three types of file organization: Sequential, Indexed, and Hashed file organization. In sequential file organization, records on an arbitrary file are stored in sequence onto a secondary storage device based on primary key values. In indexed file organization, records may be stored sequentially or non-sequentially and an index is created to assist with locating individual files. In hashed file organization, a hash algorithm or function is created when the address of a record within a file is to be determined or computed. Efficient structures are a necessary component of database design and are achieved through the use of indexes for database models. The indexes are comprised of primary keys and are convenient in different scenarios with the trade-off of potentially decreased database performance.

Databases are an integral aspect for the successful operations of businesses, and other fields that depend on optimal technology to process information. Physical database design is a process that requires careful fundamental planning in order to realize optimization in technology.