9. Data Dictionary

This is part of a Database Management System.

When designing a database, it is an excellent idea to keep a single source of information that holds details about every table and fields.

The information includes how the data is organised, the name of each table and their purpose. What fields make up the table and their lengths and how they are to be used.

Maintaining a data dictiionary is excellent whenever the database is complicated or a team of people are designing it. This central data dictionary becomes the reference document that everyone uses whilst development is underway.

It is also very handy for maintaining the database as people always come and go so keeping a reference helps new staff understand the database.