PROJECT TITLE :

Database Refactoring: Lessons from the Trenches

ABSTRACT:

Although database refactoring has been advocated as an vital area of database development, very little research has studied its implications. A tiny software development firm refactored a database related to an application that lets purchasers optimize their logistics processes. This project was based on the design of clear database development conventions and the requirement to package documentation in the database itself. The expertise led to five key lessons learned: refactoring should be automated whenever possible, the database catalog is crucial, refactoring is easier when it's done progressively, refactoring can help optimize an application and streamline its code base, and refactoring related to application development needs a advanced skill set and must be applied sensibly. This article is half of a special issue on Refactoring.