relational database management system

How one constructs and relates tables depends in large part on the software product one is using. The normal forms are the same everywhere. I can give information on how to construct tables in Access, but I have not used other rdbmses.

I have previously used a software called ERWin which helps to create Entity Relationship Diagrams out of an existing database. I believe it works with MS Access, Oracle and I think SQL Server.

I found this site with some info on this product:
http://www.blueice.com/erwin.htm

Check it out and hope it helps!

An alternative to Erwin is to use Visio. As an alternative to Visio, MS Access provides a relationship diagramming feature.

Even if your tables are not going to be maintained in Access, you can create a set of empty tables (and queries, if you wish) and set up the relationship diagram. The Access relationship diagramming feature also allows the specification of relational integrity aspects in the diagram, as well.

Generically, tables are shown as boxes with the attributes listed inside. Foreign key relationships are shown by drawing lines from the foreign key attribute in the fk table to the corresponding key in the primary table.

Many tools including ERWin, Visio, Cayenne, PowerDesigner, et. al. will let you create these diagrams. You can also use paper, whiteboard, and sandtables. It doesn't matter.

Relational Database design is based on SET THEORY (mathematics). You can use any of the following for designing Relational Systems

1. ERWin (old favourite, Not sure if its still around)
2. PowerDesigner (from Powersoft now part of Sybase)
3. S-Designer
4. Oracle Designer

All the above tools use the IDEF1X notation.

You can also use Rational Rose which uses the UML notation to design the database model