Introduction to Database Design Issues
Database design quality depends heavily on proper schema design. Poor design leads to:
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Data Redundancy: Same information stored multiple times
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Update Anomalies: Inconsistencies when updating data
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Storage Waste: Unnecessary duplication of information
Example Problem
Consider a schema inst_dept containing instructor and department information:
inst_dept(instructor_id, name, dept_name, building, budget)
Problem: Department details (building, budget) repeat for every instructor in that department.
Solution: Split into separate relations based on functional dependencies.