16
In Closing
I’m not a teacher: only a fellow-traveller of whom you asked the way. I pointed ahead—ahead of myself as well as you.
—GEORGE BERNARD SHAW
I’ve always believed that you shouldn’t have to be a rocket scientist to design a database properly. It should be a relatively straightforward task that anyone possessing a good amount of common sense can perform. As long as you follow a good database design method, you should be able to design a sound and reliable database structure.
You now possess the knowledge and skills necessary to design a relational database. You know how to define the necessary structures, establish table relationships, and implement various levels of data integrity. If you encounter improperly or poorly designed structures, you now know how to improve them.
Learning about database design is an ever-continuing process. I should know. I’ve been at it for a very long time now.
You can learn enough to design the types of databases you require, you can turn it into a profession, or you can even make it a lifelong study. Whatever your approach, you’ll encounter one inescapable fact: The more you learn, the more you realize you don’t know it all. But don’t be discouraged; this is true of any major subject you endeavor to learn, such as music, acting, art, philosophy—or rocket science!
I sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed reading the 25th Anniversary Edition of this book as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. I know that most technical books of this nature can be a little dry, so I tried to inject a little humor every now and then, particularly in the interview and meeting dialogues. Those of you who thought the conversations were relatively realistic are quite perceptive—they were very loosely based on a number of interviews and conversations I’ve had with my clients over the years.
As a parting piece of advice, let me leave you with these seven words:
Always learn. Take risks. Never say never.
Do not be afraid or intimidated or reluctant to learn something new. Learning opens the door to new things, fresh ideas, different concepts, and new perceptions. And don’t be afraid or reluctant to take risks in life. It’s a great way to change course in your life and can help you lead a fuller life. As the old saying goes, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Finally, learn not to say “Never”—“I’m never going to do this,” “This will never happen,” “I’ll never live there.” When you say “Never,” the Universe has a funny way of saying “Not so much. . . .” I’ve spent my whole life learning and taking risks. It’s how I’ve gotten to do so much in my life. And I’ve finally really got it in my head how not to say “Never” in my life.
I can definitely tell you from my own personal experience that everything I’ve just said is absolutely true.
A journey begins with but one step. You’ve taken the first step in learning how to design a database by reading this book. Now you will continue your journey by learning about other facets of database management.
My book ends here, but your journey is just beginning. . . .