DBMS Topic 3 : Database Development Life Cycle (DDLC)

Database Management System

Database Development Life Cycle (DDLC)

A structured series of steps for planning, designing, implementing, and maintaining a database system.

System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

The overall process of developing an information system, including analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance.

Database Planning

The first phase of DDLC that defines the mission, goals, and scope of the database project in alignment with organizational strategy.

System Definition

A phase that outlines the boundaries, functions, and users of the database system.

Requirements Collection and Analysis

The process of gathering detailed data and functional requirements from users and stakeholders.

Conceptual Database Design

High-level design using ER diagrams, independent of DBMS or physical constraints.

Logical Database Design

Converts conceptual design into logical structure (tables, attributes, keys), applying normalization.

Physical Database Design

Focuses on actual implementation in the DBMS — specifying data types, indexes, storage, and constraints.

Top-Down Design Approach

Begins with a broad view using ER models, then refined into specific details.

Bottom-Up Design Approach

Starts with detailed data analysis (attributes), then grouped into entities and relationships through normalization.

DBMS Selection

Optional phase where suitable database software (e.g., MySQL, Oracle) is evaluated and selected.

Application Design

Designing user interfaces and application logic for interacting with the database.

Prototyping

Building an early model of the database system to gather feedback and refine requirements.

Implementation

The phase where the database and related applications are physically created using DDL and programming tools.

Data Conversion

The process of migrating existing data into the new system, especially during system upgrades or replacements.

Evaluation and Testing

Final phase to verify that the database works as intended and meets user requirements.

Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD)

A diagram that visually represents entities, their attributes, and relationships.

Entity

A real-world object or concept that is distinguishable and stored in a database (e.g., Student, Book).

Attribute

A property or characteristic of an entity (e.g., Name, Date of Birth).

Relationship

Describes how entities are connected or associated (e.g., a student borrows a book).