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SNC ESL Database System. Paul McEnaney Spring 2010. Project Description. Previous System(s). Access 2000 Database Non-normalized / “dirty” data Difficult to use Roster issues CSCI 330 Version Stronger database design Good starting foundation. Older Systems. Access 2000. CSCI 330.
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SNC ESLDatabaseSystem Paul McEnaney Spring 2010
Previous System(s) • Access 2000 Database • Non-normalized / “dirty” data • Difficult to use • Roster issues • CSCI 330 Version • Stronger database design • Good starting foundation
Older Systems Access 2000 CSCI 330
Project Goals • Redesign the ESL Database • Mostly done in the CSCI 330 version • Upgrade ESL Database to Access 2007 • Develop a client application in C# • Focus on easy retrieval of information • Emphasis on rosters and grades
Solutions • DataGridViews to present information • Quick search for students • Edit classes at the roster level • Not possible in the previous system • Remove “incremental indexes” from DB • Better enforcement of referential integrity
What didn’t get done… • Application support for all database features • Student tests • Student pickups • Support for database path changes • Easier addition of students to rosters
Approach • Start the application from scratch • Highly modular design • Easy for a later project to improve upon the code/design • Rapid prototyping, and frequent meetings with the client • Edit/Refine the prototype • Only throw away irreparable parts
Strategies • Think before you code • Does fixing this break something ELSE? • Don’t procrastinate • If you find a better way, go back and fix it • Understand WHY things work • Google EVERYTHING • You’ll find lots of “better ways”, some work
Concepts • /*Documentation!*/ • ModularCode(& TESTING); • Efficient Code • If it doesn’t have to be in a loop, don’t put it in a loop • Handle Errors
Future Direction • Editing/Adding to rosters • Data input could be simplified • Support more features already included in the database • Maintenance feature • Edit database lookup tables • Edit database file path
A Word to the Wise • Calm down – we were ALL scared • Eating and sleep are IMPORTANT • Take breaks – stress will hurt your life • Start Early, test often • Write down brilliant ideas • Fix that “one more thing” tomorrow, when you’re actually awake and coherent