Data Model
Overview
A data model acts as a foundational framework for organizing data within a database. It defines how data components relate to each other and how they can be stored and accessed. There are three main types of data models: conceptual, logical, and physical models.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Conceptual | Logical | Physical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entity Names | X | X | |
| Entity Relationships | X | X | |
| Attributes | X | ||
| Primary Keys | X | X | |
| Foreign Keys | X | X | |
| Table Names | X | ||
| Column Names | X | ||
| Column Data Types | X |
Explanation of Features
- Entity Names: These are labels assigned to primary objects in the database, aiding in identification and organization.
- Entity Relationships: They represent the connections and associations between different entities in the database structure.
- Attributes: Attributes are unique characteristics of entities that define their properties.
- Primary Keys: Unique identifiers for each row in a table, ensuring data integrity and facilitating data retrieval.
- Foreign Keys: Foreign keys establish relationships between tables by referencing primary keys, maintaining data consistency.
- Table Names: Names assigned to tables for clear organizational structure within the database.
- Column Names: Names of columns within tables that assist in data identification and retrieval.
- Column Data Types: Define the type of data that can be stored in a column, ensuring data accuracy and consistency.