Database Design
Learn to THINK, not copy SQL patterns.
🎯 Selective Reading Rule
Read ONLY files relevant to the request! Check the content map, find what you need.
| File | Description | When to Read |
|---|---|---|
database-selection.md | PostgreSQL vs Neon vs Turso vs SQLite | Choosing database |
orm-selection.md | Drizzle vs Prisma vs Kysely | Choosing ORM |
schema-design.md | Normalization, PKs, relationships | Designing schema |
indexing.md | Index types, composite indexes | Performance tuning |
optimization.md | N+1, EXPLAIN ANALYZE | Query optimization |
migrations.md | Safe migrations, serverless DBs | Schema changes |
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⚠️ Core Principle
- ASK user for database preferences when unclear
- Choose database/ORM based on CONTEXT
- Don't default to PostgreSQL for everything
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Decision Checklist
Before designing schema:
- [ ] Asked user about database preference?
- [ ] Chosen database for THIS context?
- [ ] Considered deployment environment?
- [ ] Planned index strategy?
- [ ] Defined relationship types?
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Anti-Patterns
❌ Default to PostgreSQL for simple apps (SQLite may suffice) ❌ Skip indexing ❌ Use SELECT * in production ❌ Store JSON when structured data is better ❌ Ignore N+1 queries
When to Use
This skill is applicable to execute the workflow or actions described in the overview.
Limitations
- Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
- Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
- Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.
