Tipos de tablas en una base de datos relacional

In relational database design and management, a clear understanding of the different types of tables available is essential to maximize performance, maintain data integrity and facilitate efficient application development. Although two main types are traditionally recognized-catalog and operation-there are two other typologies that, based on actual management experience, can provide practical solutions to specific scenarios. Here we explore each of these types, understanding their essential characteristics and real applications in database operations.

What are catalog tables and how do they work in databases?

Catalog tables are tables that store fixed elements on which daily operations are performed in a system. Examples of information contained in these tables include:

• Product names and descriptions.
• Standard prices.
• Constant physical characteristics.

These tables undergo modifications infrequently, usually on a weekly basis, although it may vary depending on the size and dynamics of the business.

What are the characteristics of operation tables?

On the other hand, operation type tables are highly dynamic and record all transactions or actions performed in real time in a business or application. The main characteristics are:

• High amount of records generated daily.
• Storage of specific actions with reference to catalog items.
• Indication of the exact time of the recorded operation.

A clear example would be a table that records each sale produced in a commercial establishment.

What are the advantages of register and archive tables?

In addition to traditional tables, two additional types are identified based on specific needs and industry experience:

How are registry type tables used?

These tables have similarities to transaction tables, but include specific so-called "soft" or volatile data, such as variable prices. The specific advantage of this approach is that it avoids future complications by storing at the time of the transaction those values that could vary over time. Its advantages include:

• Avoiding complex and unnecessary mergers and historical queries.
• Reducing problems related to data evolution.
• Facilitating clear and precise historical calculations.

Although slightly less standardized, these tables allow agile handling of frequent changes in some fields without losing the integrity of the fixed data.

What is the practical use of archive tables?

Archive tables are significantly less standardized since they store redundant textual representations next to the standardized identifier, with the aim of providing instant and clear accessibility to the operational history. Their main uses are:

• Recording activities and particular exercises of permits or special actions.
• Maintain complete records that can be easily consulted even after significant changes.
• Generate a detailed history for later analysis and auditing, especially in regulated environments.

These tables, usually super-indexed, are managed with separate storage practices given their tendency to grow considerably in cumulative data weight.

Why maintain a consistent and documented design?

Regardless of the type of table adopted or created, the fundamental key lies in maintaining consistency and consistent documentation from the initial design phases and throughout the entire life cycle of the system. This not only facilitates future modifications and enhancements, but also significantly accelerates the time required to design new functionality and optimizations.

Finally, consider that continuous practice and adaptation to new circumstances will give you the flexibility to develop solutions that are increasingly tailored to the specific needs of your particular situation or system.

If you have additional experiences, other strategies or doubts about these types of database tables, share them with us in comments to continue enriching the collective knowledge.