Final answer:
The first step in creating a table is to identify each attribute and its characteristics, such as data types, nullability, and constraints, which ensure the integrity and functionality of the database.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first in series of steps to follow when creating a table is to identify each attribute and its characteristics. This step is crucial as it ensures that each column in the table is well-defined, with clear data types and constraints that reflect the needs of the database system. For example, if you are tracking inventory, attributes could include item name, item ID, price, quantity in stock, etc., with characteristics specifying which attributes are required (not null), which need to be unique, the appropriate data type (such as integer or string), and any other constraints that need to be enforced in the database.
Attribute characteristics can include considerations about whether the column can contain null values, if it should have a default value, the expected range of values, and any special conditions like uniqueness or keys. Defining these attribute characteristics properly is essential for the integrity and functionality of the database.