Analysis of Top-Down and Bottom-Up Database Design Approaches

This essay provides a detailed comparison of the top-down and bottom-up approaches to database design, outlining the advantages and disadvantages of each method. The top-down approach is best suited for new database development, allowing for the incorporation of added features without extensive coding, although it requires significant time for logical design. Conversely, the bottom-up approach is more appropriate for database migration, leveraging existing structures but potentially inheriting design limitations. The essay recommends the top-down approach for achieving design efficiency and reducing complexity in new database projects, while also considering system analyst feedback on interface design and report generation. The document is available on Desklib, a platform offering study tools for students.

Running head: DATABASE DESIGN APPROACH
Database Design Approach
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DATABASE DESIGN APPROACH
Comparison of Top Down and Bottom-Up Approach
The comparison of the top-down and the bottom-up approach is provided below
(Coronel and Morris 2016):
Top-Down Approach Bottom-Up Approach
The top-down approach is used during the
development of new database.
The bottom-up approach is generally used
for the development of a database which has
been migrated from another database.
The objects are generally modelled at the
logical in which the physical design of the
database is constructed.
No extra logical design is to be created for
the development of database a physical
level.
For example, a the database that is relational
would be required the objects for mapping
in the data in the tables.
From Oracle IBM to DB2 there are various
type of changes that are required for
migration.
The formulation of the overview is done in
this type of approach; however, the first-
level sub systems are not detailed in this
approach. Each of the sub systems are
required to be refined by the additional sub
systems level, unless and until the base
elements are obtained from the entire
specification.
The approach is used for the individual base
elements which are defined at the start of
the node. The elements are then used for
linking with Each other for the formation of
a larger sub-system. These are linked to
several other layers and system which is a
complete top-level system is formed.
Advantages
The main advantage is that the data base can
be created from scratch and any type of
The main advantage of the bottom up
approach is that in this approach there is no

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added features cab be added to database
without any application of added coding
(Bugiotti et al. 2014).
added time wasted for the logical design of
the database and the design of the database
is extracted from the database it is to be
migrated from.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage is that database there
are no readymade structures for the
implementation of the database and the
logical design of the database is to be done
scratch and this involve a wastage of large
amount of time.
The main disadvantage of the bottom-up
approach is that the migration of the
database would require the developer to
design the database according to the
previously existing database and hence, a lot
of time and effort would be wasted on
understanding the idea behind the design of
the database (Echeverria et al. 2017).
Recommendation
For recommendation it can be said that the top-down approach is to adopted for
achieving the efficiency of the design for the database that is to be developed (Elmasri and
Navthe 2016). In addition to this, the approach helps in reducing the complexities of the
database that is to be constructed. Additionally, the complexities for the database developer is
also reduced to a great extent. The top-down approach also helps in making a general
assumption at the start of the designing phase of the database. The interfaces also examined
by the system analyst and important feedbacks can be provided by the system analyst in the
type of reports that are to be generated by the database and the form designs are also made
based on the database and the data dictionary used for designing the database.

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