Release 10.1A: OpenEdge Getting Started:
Database Essentials

> ## Physical database design

> The physical database design is a refinement of the logical design. In this phase, you examine how the user will access the database. During this phase you ask yourself:

> - What data will I commonly use?

> - Which columns in the table should I index based on data access?

> - Where must I build in flexibility and allow for growth?

> - Should I denormalize the database to improve performance?

> It is possible that at this stage you denormalize the database to meet performance requirements.

> Once you determine the physical design of your database, you must determine how to map your database to your hardware. Maintaining the physical database is the primary responsibility of a database administrator. In Chapter 3, "OpenEdge RDBMS," the physical storage of the OpenEdge database is discussed.

Copyright © 2005 Progress Software Corporation www.progress.com Voice: (781) 280-4000 Fax: (781) 280-4095