Database programming begins with the database. A well-performing, scalable database application depends heavily on proper database design. Just about every time I have encountered a problematic database application, a large part of the problem sat in the underlying data model. Before you worry too much about writing Java code, it is important to lay the proper foundation for that Java code in the database. Relational data architecture is the discipline of structuring databases to serve application needs while remaining scalable to future demands and usage patterns. It is a complex discipline well beyond the scope of any single chapter. We will focus instead on the core data architecture needs of Java applications ”from basic data normalization to object-relational mapping. Though knowledge of SQL (Structured Query Language) is not a requirement for this chapter, I use it to illustrate some concepts. I provide a SQL tutorial in the tutorial section of the book should you want to dive into SQL now. You will definitely need it as we get further into database programming. |