Question

What functions do the typical database design tools provide?

Short answer

Typical database design tools provide functionalities such as conceptual design, logical design, physical design, database implementation, and database tuning & monitoring.

Step-by-step solution

Conceptual Database Design

The database design tools facilitate Conceptual Database Design, where they help in identifying the high-level, user-view model of the database. This includes identifying the important entities in the system and the relationships between those entities.

Logical Database Design

In Logical Database Design, these tools aid in converting the conceptual design into a logical database schema within a chosen data model. This step often includes normalization of the database schema.

Physical Database Design

Database design tools are responsible for Physical Database Design as well. They determine the data storage format, indexing strategy and other parameters by using statistics regarding frequency and nature of queries.

Database Implementation

These tools aid in the implementation of database on a physical storage media using a Database Management System (DBMS). Once the database schema is created, these tools can be used to create tables, set relationships, create indexes, introduce constraints, etc.

Database Tuning and Monitoring

Post-implementation, database design tools provide features that help monitor the system and tune performance. They collect statistics about data retrieval and update activities, suggesting possible improvements in indexes, query structures, and more.