A data model is generally
formed to illustrate the structure of the data handled in information systems
and persevered in database management systems. In term of software engineering,
the data model basically describes the structure of data entities and their associations.
If we consider an example of banking system, entities will usually incorporate Customer,
Account, and Loan. Entity of “Account” has a number of attributes, for example
account number, type of account (either it is savings or checking), current
balance, and status. A relationship may state that one customer can have one or
more accounts (one-to-many relation), and/or one account is linked to one or
two customers (in joint account).
Data modeling in
software engineering is the documentation and formalization of some existing
processes and procedures that occur during software and web designing and development. Data modeling methods and tools capture and transform complex
layout of any system into easily understood illustrations of the data flows and
processes, creating a blueprint for structure and/or re-engineering.
Software engineering data
modelers frequently use several models to view the same data and guarantee that
all procedures, data flows, entities, and relationships have been recognized. There
are quite a lot of different approaches to data modeling, including:
- Conceptual
- Enterprise
- Logical and
- Physical
Conceptual
Data Modeling identifies high level relationship and
properties of different types of entities. It is the best modal suitable for communication
between stakeholders.
Enterprise
Data Modeling identifies the unique requirements of a
specific business having the similarity with conceptual data modeling.
Logical
Data Modeling describes the specific relationship,
attributes, and entities of a business function. It is also creates the basis
for physical data modeling.
Physical Data Modeling describes application representation and
specific implementation of database of logical data model.
