Database Schema

Table Names#

1. Should match in every database implementation.
2. Should be all lower case.
3. Should use singular form (i.e. not plural).
4. Should use the underscore character (_) between words.
5. Should only contain alphanumeric characters and the underscore character (_).
   1. The underscore character (_):
      1. Should always be used between words.
      2. Should only be used:
         1. Between words.
         2. As a prefix for temporary tables.
   2. Should start and end with only an alphabetic character, excluding specific exceptions mentioned elsewhere with prefix and suffix terminology.

Column Names#

1. Should match in every database implementation.
2. Should be all lower case.
3. Should only contain alphanumeric characters and the underscore character (_).
   1. The underscore character (_):
      1. Should always be used between words.
      2. Should only be used between words.
   2. Should only start and end with an alphabetic character.

Key Names#

Foreign Keys#

Format: <table_name>_<column_name>_fkey

Where:

• The table name is the name of the table the foreign key exists on.
• The column name is the name of the column the foreign key is for.

Unique Keys#

Format: <table_name>_<key_name>_key

Where:

• The table name is the name of the table the unique key is on.
• The key name is the name to describe this key. This can also be the column name it exists on.

Primary Keys#

Most database engines don’t allow customizing the primary key names. As such the primary key should not be explicitly set except to change it back to the default format.