The code builds on the decisions made in the previous documentation phase, which reduces the number of errors. Having high-quality documentation ensures that the implemented code is also of good quality.As a visual model with a common vocabulary, it ensures all the specifics can be discussed in detail. A data model provides a common layer of communication that facilitates discussions between the data architect and the business people.I will outline and explain a few of these below.įrom the business view, the benefits of having a data model are: There are many benefits of creating and maintaining a data model for your database. But don’t worry, we’ll take you through all of the necessary steps to understand and build a data model. In the end, all of these concepts should come together in a diagram like the one below. In a data model, relationships are represented by lines connecting entities. Likewise, customers and orders would be connected because customers place orders. For example, an order entity would be related to an item entity because the order is made up of various items. Relationships show which entities are connected.In a data model, attributes are listed inside each entity In a database, attributes are analogous to columns a table can have many columns, and each column can have one value per row (although it can be the same value for multiple rows). And an order will likely be identified by its unique number and the date it is placed. An item might be described by its product number, color, and size. For example, a customer might be described by their first and last name, account number, and email address. Attributes are the characteristics that describe individual entities.In a data model, entities are represented by shapes (usually boxes). Obviously, stores have more than one customer and sell more than one item thus, each row in a table will eventually represent one customer, one order, or one item. These are very similar to a table in a database. In an online store, customers, the orders they place, and the items offered for sale are all entities. Entities represent real-world objects involved in a business.Here are some terms you need to know about data models: Data models also help you describe how data about the entities is organized, stored, and queried. Everything – the entities, their characteristics, and the relationships between entities – is represented in a very simple way. These entities are stripped down to their basic components and are usually related to each other in some way. It gives you a standardized framework for representing real-world entities and their properties. What Is a Data Model?Ī data model is a graphical way to design your database, allowing you to outline the main concepts first. You might also find and clarify potential edge cases (unlikely but possible scenarios) that could change the data model, like having to split a table into multiple tables to represent different sub-categories.īy modelling your data, first you can avoid having to make major changes after the database is deployed. You can also exchange ideas with your client and use the data model to help represent complex business concepts in your discussions. By first taking the time to model the database you will have a clearer picture of the problem. There are some basic principles that should be followed in this case. The first step you should do when creating a new database is to model it. That’s what we’ll discuss in this article. However, there are different types of data models which are used for different things.
It helps you find possible design issues before implementing and deploying the database. A data model determines the logical structure of a database.