Database Naming Conventions by Microsoft?

Question

I found Naming Guidelines from MSDN, but is it any guideline for MSSQL database from Microsoft?

Answer 1

The naming conventions used in SQL Server's AdventureWorks database demonstrate many best practices in terms of style.

To summarize:

• Object names are easily understood
• Table names are not pluralized ("User" table not "Users")
• Abbreviations are few, but allowed (i.e. Qty, Amt, etc.)
• PascalCase used exclusively with the exception of certain column names (i.e. rowguid)
• No underscores
• Certain keywords are allowed (i.e. Name)
• Stored procedures are prefaced with "usp"
• Functions are prefaced with "ufn"

You can find more details here:

• AdventureWorks Data Dictionary
• Stored Procedures in AdventureWorks
• Functions in AdventureWorks

One caveat: database naming conventions can be very controversial and most database developers I've met have a personal stake in their style. I've heard heated arguments over whether a table should be named "OrderHeader" or "OrderHeaders."