MODELLING DATA OBJECT COURSE

Simple Attributes and Composite Attribute

Composite Attribute:
Definition:
 Attributes that can be divided into sub-parts like a tree structure
 Required to store detailed information of an attribute.
 This attribute have its own attribute
Representation:

Attribute having child attribute

Symbol:
 
Example:
Composite Attribute: studentName, address, streetAddress

Simple attributes:
Definition:

Attributes that cannot be divided into sub-parts like a tree structure

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For Example:

The red-pointer indicates simple attributes

Stored and Derived Attribute

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Stored Attribute:
Definition:
 Attributes stored in database can derived some other attribute.
 Other attribute values can be found using stored attribute.
Representation:

It is represented by using a circle with the stored attribute name

within it.

Symbol:

For Example:
Stored Attribute: dob, as this attribute can derive student age doing some calculations
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Derived Attribute:
Definition:
 Attributes that depends on another attribute using some operations.
 Required to show that the attribute value can be found using other attribute value.
Representation:

Shown by dashed oval.

Symbol:
For Example:
Derived Attribute: age, as student age can be derived from date of birth attribute (dob)

Single Valued and Multivalued Attributes

Single valued attributes:
Definition:
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Attributes that can have only one single value

Required to show that it cannot contain multiple value of an attribute.

Representation:

Attribute will contain single value only.

Symbol:

Multi-valued  attributes:
Definition:
 Attributes that can have more than one value
 Required to show that it can contain multiple value.
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Representation:

Shown by dual oval.

Symbol:
For Example:
Multivalued Attribute: 
Phone number,  student  entity is considered to have more than one contact number.