In MySQL, database design consists in defining the structure of tables, including their columns, data types, primary keys, and relationships with other tables.

The goal of this process is to help avoid data redundancy, maintain data integrity, and improve performance by facilitating data retrieval and manipulation.

Modelling tables

Database design is usually divided into three table modeling stages:

1. Conceptual models

2. Logical models

3. Physical models

These models help in abstracting and organizing data structures, relationships, and the actual implementation.

The conceptual model

The conceptual model, which is the highest level of abstraction, focuses on defining the overall structure and content of the database without including specific details like data types or keys.

Its goal is to capture what data needs to be stored and how different entities are related to each other.