4 replies to this topic

[Roger]

Just need some ideas.. how would I design the SQL database tables for a car rental database?

[WingedPanther]

Depends on how you plan to design the car rental application.

[Alexander]

You need to understand the relational database design process, a good guideline is as follows:

• Identify the purpose of the database needed.
  
• Review existing database(s).
  
• Make a preliminary list of fields.
  
• Make a preliminary list of tables and enter the fields. \
  
• Identify the key fields.
  
• Draft the table relationships.
  
• Enter sample data and normalize the data.
  
• Review and finalize the design.

Now of course to do this you will need to understand what needs it should satisfy for your job, walking a simple list can be fairly straightforward and help aid in the design of and prior relationship planning before any solid draft is finished. You need:

* To keep track of our inventory of cars.
* To need an order entry system.
* To make monthly reports on sales.
* To provide our product catalog for printing or the web.

What else can you think of?

[Roger]

@WP: The question is theoretical.. I'm just asking it here to get an idea how you guys would approach it...

@NW: I would've just started on 3, but 1 and 2 are both pretty important... off the top of my head, I am thinking we minimally need the following tables (and it's associate fields):
rental location
car information
renter information
agent information
contract information
billing information

What else do we need?

[WingedPanther]

I start by looking at the basic data I need, then dive into details, much like what you're doing here.