Database design and optimisation made easy

The tutorial series will look at the different methods of retrieving data, always aware that this is the Web and that speed is of the essence, how to monitor performance of your database and tune it for maximum speed. In enterprise-level sites, these tasks are often performed by highly trained, specialist DBAs (database administrators); on smaller sites, it's often the developer who needs to wear this extra hat. With his four years' experience, Rob explains complex concepts and procedures, simply and clearly, to give today's Dreamweaver Professional a heads up in building and maintaining fast, secure data-driven sites.

Often, database driven websites are built without much thought given to the big picture. Also, web sites are often built organically, and databases can become unwieldy very quickly, if you're not careful. Spend a little bit more time with the database design up front, and save yourself hours of work and trouble later!

This first tutorial of a new linked series covers the basics of common database and it's benefits, and will clearly describe the different types of relationship you can use to store your data. It also gives some practical advice for some common scenarios.