How to prevent errors in a database.
Potential Errors
There are many errors that can become from the construction of a database. But how the error can be avoided depends on the error itself and/or how large the error has become.
Incorrect information in the database.
Incorrect information in the database is just one of many errors that can occur when creating a database for the first time. This error can become quite serious because the end result of the error can justify the database giving you wrong data when asked for it. The only way to avoid this error is to take extra precautions when inputting data into the database on the initial process. You would need to double check if not triple check all information just to be sure human error has not occurred. Human error is often one of the biggest causes of incorrect information, even though the error may be small the end result could be a huge disaster.
Accidental deletion of field, tables or rows
The accidental deletion of these could have many different implications on the results that are given from the database. Although this could have serious implications avoiding it is very simple, you just have to take extreme precautions to not delete the wrong fields, rows or tables and if you happen to delete one but you notice it you can also undo the result but also remember to backup you wrong every 30mins so you can always go back to a later version of the database.
Incorrect normalization of data
The incorrect normalization of data can end up leading to unwanted duplication of data in the database. This can effectively result in small or huge data anomalies depending on the damage done. If using incorrect types of data or incorrect input of data into the database can input the system’s ability to create queries. To prevent incorrect normalization of data you will need to take extra care when normalizing the database e.g. checking defining of relationships are correct and deletions, modifications of a field are correct.
Not enforcing referential integrity
Not enforcing referential integrity can lead to inconsistent data in the database. This can lead to the database giving out incorrect data when needed and also confusing up orders or customers files etc. in a database. You can prevent this by making sure you have enforced all referential integrity rules that are needed for you database and go back and recheck all these rules have been applied through the creation of the database.
