DATA

MODELLING
DIT 2nd Semester
By
BrainSoft IT Academy & English
Language
 Introduction to Data Modelling & its importance

Definition of Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD)

Outlines Elements of ERD

Transforming ERD to Relational Schema

Normalization of Relational Database

Data Modelling & its importance

Data modeling in databases involves creating an abstract representation of the structure and
relationships within a database. It helps define how data is organized and how different data
elements relate to each other. This process typically includes creating entities, attributes, and
relationships to ensure data integrity and provide a foundation for database design.
Data models refers to how the logical structure of a database is made. Data model acts as a
conceptual tool that describes the data relationship, data semantics and data constraints.
Database uses three tier architecture so we need to design the database at physical, logical and
view level.
Importance of Data Modeling
• Clarity in Understanding Data: Data modeling provides a clear and concise representation of complex
data structures, making it easier for stakeholders, including business users and technical teams, to
understand the data elements and their relationships.
• Improved Decision-Making: Well-defined data models facilitate better decision-making processes.
Business leaders can analyze and comprehend the implications of various choices on data storage, retrieval,
and utilization, leading to informed decisions.
• Enhanced Data Quality and Consistency: Through data modeling, organizations establish rules,
relationships, and constraints that enforce data accuracy and consistency. This results in improved data
quality and integrity across systems.
• Support for System Development: Data models serve as a foundation for system development, acting as
a blueprint for database design, application development, and integration efforts. They guide developers in
implementing efficient and effective database structures.
• Facilitating Communication: Data models serve as a common language among different stakeholders,
bridging the gap between technical and non-technical individuals. They enable effective communication
regarding data requirements, structures, and relationships.
Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD)
• An Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD) is a visual representation of the entities (objects or
concepts) within a system, their attributes, and the relationships between them. ERDs use symbols
such as rectangles for entities, ovals for attributes, and lines to represent relationships. They help
database designers and developers understand the structure of a database and how different elements
are connected. ERDs are a crucial part of the data modeling process in database design.
Elements of ERD
• In an Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD), several key elements are used to represent the structure
and relationships within a database. These elements include:
• Entities: Entities represent real-world objects or concepts. They are depicted as rectangles in an
ERD. Each entity has attributes that describe the properties or characteristics of that entity.
• Attributes: Attributes are the properties or characteristics of entities. They define the details or
qualities of an entity. Attributes are represented as ovals connected to the respective entity rectangle.
For instance, in an "Employee" entity, attributes might include "Employee ID," "Name," "Date of
Birth," etc.
• Relationships: Relationships illustrate the connections and associations between entities. They
describe how data from one entity is related to data in another entity. Relationships are depicted by
lines connecting entities in the diagram. Labels on the lines indicate the type of relationship, such as
one-to-one, one-to-many, or many-to-many.
• Primary Keys: A primary key is a unique identifier for each instance of an entity. It ensures that
each entity instance can be uniquely identified within its entity set. In an ERD, primary keys are
usually underlined within an entity to denote their uniqueness.
Elements of ERD
• Foreign Keys: Foreign keys are attributes in one entity that establish a link to the primary key in
another entity. They create relationships between entities. In an ERD, foreign keys are often
indicated by dashed underlined attributes.
• Cardinality: Cardinality in ERDs describes the numerical relationship between entities in a
relationship. It specifies how many instances of an entity relate to one instance of another entity.
Common cardinality types include one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many.
• Composite Attributes: These are attributes that are composed of multiple smaller attributes. They
represent a more detailed level of information within an entity. For example, an "Address" attribute
in the "Customer" entity might consist of "Street," "City," "State," and "Zip Code" attributes.
• Weak Entities: Weak entities are entities that do not have a primary key of their own. They rely on
a strong entity (owner entity) to provide their primary key. They are represented with a double
rectangle in an ERD.
Any Question??
Thank You!!!