Introduction to SQL

Server Dimensional
Modeling
SQL Server Dimensional Modeling is a data warehousing technique used to
organize and analyze complex business data. It focuses on creating a logical
data structure that enables efficient reporting and decision-making.
Fact Tables and Dimension Tables
Fact Tables Dimension Tables Relationship

Fact tables contain the core
business metrics or measures,
such as sales, revenue, or
production data.
Dimension tables provide
contextual information about
the facts, such as product
details, customer information,
or time periods.
Fact tables link to dimension
tables through foreign key
relationships, forming a
dimensional data model.
Star Schema and Snowflake Schema
Star Schema 1
A simple dimensional model with a
central fact table surrounded by
dimension tables. 2 Snowflake Schema
A more complex model where dimension
tables are further normalized into
Tradeoffs 3 additional tables.
Star schema is easier to understand and
query, while snowflake schema can be
more efficient for certain use cases.
Slowly Changing Dimensions

1 Type 1 2 Type 2
Overwrite existing data, no history kept. Add new rows to track historical changes.

3 Type 3 4 Type 4
Add additional columns to store previous Maintain a mini-dimension to store historical
values. changes.
Degenerate Dimensions
What are they?
Degenerate dimensions are dimensions that exist
within the fact table itself, rather than as a
separate dimension table.
Examples
Common examples include invoice numbers,
order numbers, and batch IDs.
Why use them?
Degenerate dimensions can simplify the data
model and improve query performance by
reducing the number of joins.
Considerations
Carefully evaluate when to use degenerate
dimensions to maintain a balance between
simplicity and flexibility.
Junk Dimensions

Miscellaneous Efficient Flexible Simplify

Junk dimensions store Junk dimensions can Junk dimensions allow Junk dimensions help
low-cardinality improve query the data model to keep the data model
attributes that don't fit performance by evolve without clean and organized.
well into other consolidating these significantly changing
dimensions. small attributes. the fact table structure.
Aggregate Fact Tables
Raw Data
Fact tables contain detailed, granular business data.

Aggregation
Aggregate fact tables pre-calculate and store summarized data.

Performance
Aggregate fact tables enable faster reporting and analytics on large datasets.
Best Practices for Dimensional Modeling

1 Start with the Business 2 Keep it Simple

Understand the business requirements and Strive for a clean, intuitive data structure that
user needs before designing the data model. is easy to understand and use.

3 Be Flexible 4 Focus on Performance

Design the model to accommodate future Optimize the model for efficient querying and
growth and changes in the business. analysis, using techniques like aggregation.

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