Chapter 10 -- Creating Database Tables

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Chapter 10

Once you have created a database (with files and filegroups), the next step is to create the objects, called tables, that allow you to organize and store your data. This chapter examines the major decisions involved in creating a database table. Creating a table can be a slightly complicated process because many options are available. We will first look at the basic requirements for a table and then explore some of the options, giving examples as we go.

In this chapter, you'll learn about system and user-defined data types, how to place tables in filegroups, null values, and the IDENTITY property. You'll also learn how to create a table using Enterprise Manager and Transact-SQL (T-SQL). Other important table creation issues are touched on here, including constraints, defaults, and indexes; these topics will be described in more detail in later chapters.

CAUTION

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Be sure to familiarize yourself with this material before you begin creating your tables.