Attribute names

Naming conventions for attributes help database designers ensure consistency within an organization. Most organizations have naming guidelines. In addition to following these guidelines, data analysts also base attribute definitions on class words.

A class word is a single word that indicates the nature of the data that the attribute represents.

The class word NUMBER indicates an attribute that identifies the number of an entity. Therefore, attribute names that identify the numbers of entities should include the class word of NUMBER. Some examples are EMPLOYEE_NUMBER, PROJECT_NUMBER, and DEPARTMENT_NUMBER.

When an organization does not have well-defined guidelines for attribute names, data analysts try to determine how the database designers have historically named attributes. Problems occur when multiple individuals are inventing their own naming guidelines without consulting one another.