Last modified: 13:32:18 23-Jan-2009
A relatively formal development process was used. This results in
a comprehensive set of high-level technical documentation.
Nearly all that documentation is provided in the technical
documentation
downloads for the database.
The level of described detail far exceeds the
typical poor documentation of non-profit databases. This
should make it much easier for 3d party developers to work with
the system when needed.
The data model used in the Plant History DB was designed in response to needs of the Hoyt Arboretum, Portland, Oregon
We find accurate data model diagrams essential for use and continued development of a database. We use specialized data modelling software (CASE*Studio) during development to ensure this accuracy. The software allows generation of scripts to automatically create data tables in a variety of database packages including Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Sybase, Access, SQL*Server. When database tables are generated in this fashion, the data model will be a very accurate representation of the resulting database. Furthermore, this software offers the required capacities at an affordable price - making it possible for other developers to work with the data model using similar techniques.
A major portion of the original development was funded by Hoyt Arboretum, Portland, Oregon.
Although open source tools would have been preferred, Microsoft Access was a good choice for Hoyt Arboretum. All conceptual and high-level design of data model and application modules was performed in a fashion that was independent of platform choices. The basic application design can be moved to other platforms with an appropriate effot.
The Select Control
class modules used in the open source
Select Control Database
distributed by Bednar Consulting
are also used within the this database.
Last modified: 13:32:18 23-Jan-2009