How to create and manage a normalized database?
In the exciting world of databases, normalization is an essential technique that allows us to divide information into different tables, minimizing redundancy and ensuring data consistency. Through this approach, we ensure that each item, such as a book or an author, has its own record and is related only by unique identifiers. Let's explore how this is implemented in practice using SQL, focusing on the correct handling of authors and book titles in database systems.
How to build a database to store titles and authors?
When handling data in a structured format such as CSV, it is common to find repetitive columns such as 'title' and 'author'. To optimize their management:
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Split into relevant tables: Book titles and their additional information go in one table, while authors are managed in another separate table by particular ID.
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Uniquely identify the author:
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Use a select statement to get the author ID.
SELECT author_id FROM authors WHERE name = 'Octavio Paz';
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Suppose this author is number 6 in our database.
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Insert records in the books table: We use the author's identifier instead of his name.
INSERT INTO books (title, author_id, year) VALUES ('The Labyrinth of Solitude', 6, 1952);
How to handle SQL subqueries to avoid data duplication?
Often, we need to insert data without repeating information that already exists in the database. In such cases, subqueries are extremely useful:
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Implementing a subquery: when inserting a new book that already has a registered author:
INSERT INTO books (title, author_id, year) VALUES ( 'Return to the Labyrinth of Solitude', (SELECT author_id FROM authors WHERE name = 'Octavio Paz' LIMIT 1), 1960 );
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When to use subqueries: Despite their power, they should be used with caution. They can significantly increase processing time and CPU load, affecting system performance.
What practices should we keep in mind when working with databases and SQL?
To avoid inconveniences and get the most out of your databases, some practices are recommended:
- Avoid excessive use of subqueries: Although MySQL allows these operations, it is better to handle these calculations in a separate business layer of the application.
- Optimize queries: Limit the use of operations that may slow down the system.
- Maintain data integrity: Always verify the information and make sure of the operations before executing them.
- Responsible use of SELECT: This instruction can be used to perform powerful queries and generate complex graphs, but it must be used responsibly.
This approach gives us a solid foundation for working with databases, allowing effective integration and manipulation of large data sets without compromising the integrity or consistency of the information. Keep exploring and learning! Database management offers endless possibilities for developing robust and efficient applications.
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