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Everything about Data modeling

Creating a model of the data in a system

Data modeling is the process of creating a data model for an information system by applying formal techniques. It is used to define and analyze the data an organization needs to support its business processes. Data modelers usually work closely with business stakeholders and the people who will use the system. It is sometimes called database modeling, because a data model is eventually implemented in a database. Data modeling usually has three stages. A conceptual data model records the data requirements in a form that does not depend on any technology, so it can be discussed with the business. This is turned into a logical data model, which describes data structures that a database can implement. The last stage is a physical data model, which organizes the data into tables and deals with access, performance and storage. Used consistently, data modeling helps organizations manage data as a resource, integrate information systems, and design databases and data warehouses. Poor data models can make systems expensive to build and maintain, and can limit how well they support the business. Common approaches include top-down and bottom-up modeling, entity–relationship modeling, generic data models and semantic data modeling. Wikipedia →

🧭 Start here: a 6-step reading path

  1. Read the overview: Data modelingA 5-minute orientation
  2. Skim a recent paper: EnzymeML: seamless data flow and modeling of enzymatic dataInfluential work since 2022
  3. Pick up a classic book: Database ProcessingThe most-reprinted book on the subject
  4. Read the landmark paper: Modeling Multilevel Data StructuresCited 1,046 times
  5. Go sideways: Data modelA closely related topic
  6. Go sideways: Semantic data modelA closely related topic

📖 Definitions

Noun The process of creating a data model.

🗂️ The subject at a glance

  1. Data models
  2. Data modeling process
  3. Modeling methods

🏆 Landmark papers (most cited)

🆕 Influential since 2022

📚 Books worth reading

Ranked by number of editions on Open Library, a rough measure of how lasting a book is.

🔗 Related topics