About Attributes
This is an article about attributes.
Hello!
Today, we’re going to talk about one of the key elements of database design: Attribute.
Attributes are the basic elements that represent the characteristics of data within a database, representing the specific information each entity has.
In this post, let’s take a closer look at what properties are, and how they are defined and used.
What are properties?
Definition
An attribute is a data element that represents the characteristics of an entity.
Each entity consists of multiple attributes, which come together to form specific information about the entity.
For example, the attributes of a student’s entity may include the student’s student number, name, and major.
Example
- Student: You may have attributes such as student number, name, major, grade, etc.
- Product: Properties such as product code, product name, price, manufacturer, etc.
- Order: You may have attributes such as order number, order date, customer ID, product ID, etc.
Types of properties
Simple Attribute
Definition
The default property is a single property that is no longer divisible.
In other words, it represents the smallest unit of data that properties can no longer be subdivided or decomposed.
Example
- Student ID for students: Student numbers are a single attribute that can no longer be broken down or subdivided.
- Price of the product: Price is a basic property expressed as a single value.
Composite Attributes
Definition
A composite property is a property that consists of multiple sub-attributes.
That is, the property consists of several parts, which together make up the value of the property.
Example
- Address: Addresses may consist of several sub-properties, such as city, distance, zip code, etc.
- Name: Names can consist of several sub-properties, such as last name, first name, and middle name.
Derived Attributes
Definition
Derivative properties are properties calculated using other properties.
In other words, the value of an attribute is determined by the operation or function of the other attributes.
Example
- Total Order Amount: The total order amount is calculated by multiplying the price and quantity of the product you ordered.
- Age: Age may be calculated based on date of birth compared to current date.
at the end of the day
Properties are the basic elements that define the characteristics of data in a database, representing the information each entity has.
Designing a database by appropriately leveraging different kinds of properties, such as basic properties, composite properties, and derivative properties, enables more efficient and flexible data models to be built.
I hope this post helped me understand the properties.
Thank you!