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About the elements of a good data model

   Aug 21, 2024     3 min read

This article examines the elements of a good data model.

Hello!

The element of a good data model is called the key to the success of database design.

The database is the center of modern business.

Good data models are essential for efficient data management.

A good data model greatly influences the performance, maintenance, scalability, and so on of a database. So, what are the requirements to design a good data model?

In this post, we will look at the essentials of a good data model.

Defining clear requirements

Why is it important?

The first step in data modeling is to understand exactly the business requirements.

If the requirements are unclear, the data model you designed may not be suitable for the actual business situation.

What should I do?

  • Close collaboration with users: Work closely with end users using data to collect and understand requirements.
  • Documented: Requirements are systematically documented and shared and reviewed by all stakeholders.

Data Normalization

Why is it important?

Data normalization is the process of structuring data to minimize duplication and maintain consistency.

This ensures data integrity and efficient use of storage space.

What should I do?

  • 1st Normal (1NF): Designed so that all properties have atomic values.
  • Secondary Normal (2NF): Remove partial dependencies.
  • 3rd Normal (3NF): Remove transitional dependencies.
  • **BBCNF (Boyce-Codd Regular) **: Ensure all determinants are candidate keys.

Proper indexing

Why is it important?

Indexes play an important role in speeding up data lookup.

Using the appropriate index significantly improves search performance.

What should I do?

  • Create indexes on frequently searched properties: Increase lookup performance by setting indexes in frequently queried columns.
  • Use composite indexes: Create indexes that combine multiple columns to improve complex query performance.
  • Index Optimization: Unnecessary indexes degrade performance, so review and optimize indexes periodically.

Ensuring Data Integrity

Why is it important?

Data integrity means maintaining data accuracy and consistency.

If data integrity is not guaranteed, the database is less reliable.

What should I do?

  • Constraint Settings: Ensure data integrity by setting primary keys, foreign keys, and unique constraints.
  • Use transactions: Transactions ensure originality, consistency, isolation, and persistence when changing data.

Flexibility and scalability

Why is it important?

The business environment is constantly changing. Data models must also be able to respond flexibly to these changes.

What should I do?

  • Modular design: Modularize the data model so that each module can be changed independently.
  • Consider future expansion: anticipate changes in future requirements and reflect them to design a flexible structure.

Efficient Data Access

Why is it important?

Efficient data access determines system performance.

Well-designed data models enable fast and efficient data access.

What should I do?

  • Split the appropriate table: optimize performance by appropriately segmenting the large table.
  • Use a caching strategy: Cache frequently viewed data to reduce database load.

Security and Rights Management

Why is it important?

Data is a key asset for your business.

Therefore, data security and access management are critical.

What should I do?

  • Set access: Set access per user to prevent unnecessary data access.
  • Data Encryption: Encrypt and store sensitive data and enhance security when transferred.

at the end of the day

A good data model does more than just store data.

This greatly influences the performance, maintenance, and scalability of the database and ultimately contributes to the success of your business.

Design a good data model with clear requirements definition, data normalization, proper indexing, ensuring data integrity, flexibility and scalability, efficient data access, security and privilege management.

This will maximize the efficiency of the database system and strengthen the competitiveness of the business.