version: "1.0.1" name: database-design description: "Database design principles and decision-making. Schema design, indexing strategy, ORM selection, serverless databases." risk: safe source: community date_added: "2026-02-27"

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.

⚠️ Core Principle

• ASK user for database preferences when unclear
• Choose database/ORM based on CONTEXT
• Don't default to PostgreSQL for everything

Decision Checklist

Before designing schema:

• [ ] Asked user about database preference?
• [ ] Chosen database for THIS context?
• [ ] Considered deployment environment?
• [ ] Planned index strategy?
• [ ] Defined relationship types?

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.