@ DATA MODELS A data model is a conceptual framework used to define and organize the structure, relationships, and rules of data in a database. It specifies how data is stored, connected, and manipulated. A data model provides a blueprint for designing and managing databases, ensuring consistency and clarity in data organization. Common types of data models include hierarchical, network, relational, and object-oriented models. ata Models o (2) Relational Semistructured CORT nets} PETE C) eR) PCM) rig 1) Relational Data Model: This type of model designs the data in the form of rows and columns within a table. Thus, a relational model uses tables for representing data and in- between relationships. Tables are also called relations. This model was initially described by Edgar F. Codd, in 1969. The relational data model is the widely used model which is primarily used by commercial data processing applications. 2) Entity-Relationship Data Model: An ER model is the logical representation of data as objects and relationships among them. These objects are known as entities, and relationship is an association among these entities. This model was designed by Peter Chen and published in 1976 papers. It was widely used in database designing. A set of attributes describe the entities. For example, student_name, student_id describes the ‘student’ entity. A set of the same type of entities is known as an ‘Entity set, and the set of the same type of relationships is known as ‘relationship set. 3) Object-based Data Model: An extension of the ER model with notions of functions, encapsulation, and object identity, as well. This model supports a rich type system that® includes structured and collection types. Thus, in 1980s, various database systems following the object-oriented approach were developed. Here, the objects are nothing but the data carrying its Properties. ‘) Semistructured Data Model: This type of data model is different from the other three data models (explained above). The semistructured data model allows the data specifications at places where the individual data items of the same type may have different attributes sets. The Extensible Markup Language, also known as XML, is widely used for representing the semistructured data. Although XML was initially designed for including the markup 'nformation to the text document, it gains importance because of its application in the exchange of data. Advantages of Data Models Data Models help us in representing data accurately. + Tt helps us in finding the missing data and also in minimizing Data Redundancy. Data Model provides data security in a better way. + The data model should be detailed enough o be used for building the physical database. The information in the data model can be used for defining the relationship between ‘ables, primary and foreign keys, and stored procedures, idvantages of Data Models 1+ In the case of a vast database, sometimes it becomes difficult to understand the data model. - You must have the proper knowledge of SQL to use physical models. Even smaller change made in structure require modification in the entire application, . There is no set data manipulation Janguage in DBMS. wen 2. 3, 4. 5. To develop Data model one should know physical data stored characteristics.DATA DICTIONARY: A Data Dictionary comprises two words i.e. Data which simply means information being collected through some sources and Dictionary means where this information is available, A Data Dictionary can be defined as a collection of information on all data elements or contents of databases such as data types, and text descriptions of the system. It makes it easier for users and analysts to use data as well as understand and have common knowledge about inputs, outputs, components of a database, and intermediate calculations. Why ictionary is Essential? There is less information and details provided by data models. So, a data dictionary is essential and needed to have proper knowledge and usage of contents. Data Dictionary Provides all information about names that are used in system models. Data Dictionary also Provides information about entities, relationships, and attributes that are present in the system model. As a part of the structured analysis and design tool, the implementation of a data dictionary is done. Below is a data dictionary that describes the table that contains employee details. Field Name ibid Unique ID of each employee FullName Text 30 ant a Ne DOB [DateTime] 10 ‘| appt ae ct PhoneNumber | Integer _ | 10 pe pine ae ee Some of the advani ta dictionary are: * In DBMS, the data model provides very little information about the database, so the data dictionary is very important to get the right knowledge about the entities, relationships, and attributes that exist in the data model.@ + The data dictionary provides consistency by reducing data redundancy in data collection and use among different team members. + Data dictionaries provide structured analysis and design tools by implementing data standards. Data standards are sets of rules that govern the collection, recording, and presentation of data. + Using a data dictionary helps define the naming convention used in the model. ‘Types of Data Dictionary Data Dictionary is basically of two types. We will discuss each of them. + Integrated Data Dictionary + Stand Alone Data Dictionary 1, Integrated Data Dictionary Integrated Data Dictionary can be seen as a catalog that can be maintained by the relational database. In previous databases, there is not any functionality of Integrated Data Dictionary, so they use Stand Alone Data Dictionary. There are two types of Integrated Data Dictionary. + Active Data Dictionary: Active Database Dictionary is a type of database that is updated automatically in case any changes are to be done to the database. These are self updating. + Passive Data Dictionary: Passive Databases are the databases that have to be maintained or updated manually in case of any changes have been made to the system. 2, Stand Alone Data Dictionary Stand Alone Data Dictionary is a type of flexible data dictionary as Database Administrator has ease of managing data. It does not require data that is computer-based. It has no fixed format. But some elements are common in this kind of database. + Data Elements: It has the elements like name, datatype, validation rules, etc. + Tables: These contain all the necessary information that is required for the table, how many rows in the table, how many columns in the table, etc. + Index: The index of the databases is to be stored here. + Programs: These are used for accessing the database, and can include SQL Queries, Reports, etc. + Relationship between Data Elements: This stores the relationship among the different databases, like cardinality, connectivity, ete.@ Challenges with Data Dictionary The main challenge that occurs in front of us is that a data dictionary is somehow difficult and it may lead to take much time in case when data is not prepared previously. Data Preparation is a bit lengthy and hectic process for a large scale of data. When you don’t do Data Preparation, Data Dictionary is not that much efficient. It can be an expensive process when resources are not to be utilized efficiently. Data Dictionary can be an insecure process as if you give access to so many persons, it might be a challenge to the security of the Data Dictionary. Disadvantages of Data Dictionary Data dictionaries have little functional detail. Non-technical users may experience difficulties when using the data dictionary for the first time. Data dictionary relational diagrams are often not visible.