Data Modeling

Data Modeling is the process of creating a data model for storing data in a database. Data model is used to visual representation of data regulatory compliances and to enforce business rules / regulatory compliances / government policies on the data. It can also ensure the quality of the data with consistence in naming conventions, default values, semantics and security.

Purposes for Different Data Modeling

It is vital to define the purpose of the data model to start data modeling. There are two types of data models:

Relational Data Modeling
– Design for building transactional and operational systems
– Designed to get data into database that maintains integrity and stores every piece of non-key data only once
Dimensional Data Modeling
– Design for building reporting and analytical systems
– Designed to get data into data warehouse and into the hands of business users
– Easy to query across many different tables

Data modeling is the process of creating a data model. It occurs at the following levels:

Physical Model
– Scheme / framework for how data stored in a database
Conceptual Model
– High-level / user view of data
Logical Data Model
– Middle level: between the physical and conceptual levels
– Separate the logical representation of data and its physical storage