Database First Approach
Database First Approach is a software development methodology where the database schema is designed and created first, before any application code is written. It involves defining tables, relationships, constraints, and other database elements upfront, often using tools like SQL scripts or visual designers. The application's data model and code (e.g., in an ORM like Entity Framework) are then generated or built to match this pre-existing database structure.
Developers should use Database First Approach when working with legacy systems, integrating with existing databases, or in scenarios where database design is critical and stable, such as in data-heavy enterprise applications. It is particularly useful when database administrators (DBAs) lead the design process, ensuring performance and integrity from the start, and when the database schema is unlikely to change frequently, reducing the need for code refactoring.