“This groundbreaking book finally reveals why database schemas need not be difficult to change, why data need not be difficult to migrate, and why database professionals need not be overburdened by change requests from customers and developers. Evolutionary design is at the heart of agility. Ambler and Sadalage have now shown the world how to evolve agile databases. Bravo!”

“This book not only lays out the fundamentals for evolutionary database development, it provides many practical, detailed examples of database refactoring. It is a must read for database practitioners interested in agile development.”

“Ambler and Sadalage have taken the bold step of tackling an issue that other writers have found so daunting. Not only have they addressed the theory behind database refactoring, but they have also explained step-by-step processes for doing so in a controlled and thoughtful manner. But what really blew me away were the more than 200 pages of code samples and deep technical details illustrating how to overcome specific database refactoring hurdles. This is not just another introductory book convincing people that an idea is a good one—this is a tutorial and technical reference book that developers and DBAs alike will keep near their computers. Kudos to the brave duo for succeeding where others have failed to even try.”

“Anybody working on non-greenfield projects will recognize the value that Scott and Pramod bring to the software development life cycle with Refactoring Databases. The realities of dealing with existing databases is one that is tough to crack. Though much of the challenge can be cultural and progress can be held in limbo by strong-armed DBA tactics, this book shows how technically the refactoring and evolutionary development of a database can indeed be handled in an agile manner. I look forward to dropping off a copy on the desk of the next ornery DBA I run into.”

“This book is excellent. It is perfect for the data professional who needs to produce results in the world of agile development and object technology. A well-organized book, it shows the what, why, and how of refactoring databases and associated code. Like the best cookbook, I will use it often when developing and improving databases.”

“This excellent book brings the agile practice of refactoring into the world of data. It provides pragmatic guidance on both the methodology to refactoring databases within your organization and the details of how to implement individual refactorings. Refactoring Databases also articulates the importance of developers and DBAs working side by side. It is a must have reference for developers and DBAs alike.”

“Scott and Pramod have done for database refactoring what Martin Fowler did for code refactoring. They’ve put together a coherent set of procedures you can use to improve the quality of your database. If you deal with databases, this book is for you.”

“It’s past time for data people to join the agile ranks, and Ambler and Sadalage are the right persons to lead them. This book should be read by data modelers and administrators, as well as software teams. We have lived in different worlds for too long, and this book will help to remove the barriers dividing us.”

“Evolutionary design and refactoring are already exciting, and with Refactoring Databases this gets even better. In this book, the authors share with us the techniques and strategies to refactor at the database level. Using these refactorings, database schemas can safely be evolved even after a database has been deployed into production. With this book, database is within reach of any developer.”

“Database refactoring is an important new topic and this book is a pioneering contribution to the community.”