Database Schema Design

Core Principles

1. Normalize first, denormalize for performance
2. Use appropriate data types - smallest type that fits
3. Index strategically - based on query patterns
4. Plan for growth - consider partitioning early

Naming Conventions

-- Tables: plural, snake_case
users, order_items, user_addresses

-- Columns: snake_case
first_name, created_at, is_active

-- Primary keys: id