data model
Database structure plan
A data model is a formal representation of how data is organized, stored, and related within a system.
It defines the structure—tables, fields, relationships—that determines what information can be captured and how pieces connect: The data model couldn't accommodate multiple addresses per customer.
Data models range from abstract conceptual diagrams to concrete database schemas.
Organized representational structure
- entityIndependent existing thing
- attributeQuality assigned to something
- relationshipConnection between entities
- tableHorizontal furniture surface
field · column · record · cardinality · normalization · hierarchy · constraint · index
Detailed technical drawing
- diagramSimplified explanatory sketch
- specificationDetailed technical requirement
- notationSystem of written symbols
- conceptualOf or relating to ideas
logical · physical · prototype · template · pattern · database design · architecture · planning
Study of existence's nature
- taxonomyScience of categorical arrangement
- use caseScenario for practical employment
- real-worldExisting in physical reality
- enterpriseCommercial undertaking or initiative
semantic · vocabulary · terminology · classification · categorization · metadata · mapping · transformation
Concerning connections between things
- object-orientedParadigm using encapsulated entities
- hierarchicalOrganized by rank
- networkInterconnected system
- documentWritten or electronic file
graph · key-value · NoSQL · dimensional · star schema · snowflake · normalized · inheritance
schema
Organized representational structure
- entityIndependent existing thing
- attributeQuality assigned to something
- relationshipConnection between entities
table · field · column · record · cardinality · normalization · hierarchy · constraint · index · tuple
blueprint
Detailed technical drawing
- diagramSimplified explanatory sketch
- specificationDetailed technical requirement
- notationSystem of written symbols
conceptual · logical · physical · prototype · template · pattern · database design · architecture · planning · documentation
ontology
Study of existence's nature
- taxonomyScience of categorical arrangement
- use caseScenario for practical employment
- real-worldExisting in physical reality
enterprise · semantic · vocabulary · terminology · classification · categorization · metadata · mapping · transformation · integration
relational
Concerning connections between things
- object-orientedParadigm using encapsulated entities
- hierarchicalOrganized by rank
- networkInterconnected system
document · graph · key-value · NoSQL · dimensional · star schema · snowflake · normalized · inheritance · polymorphism
- diagramsflowchart, labeled diagram, Venn diagram, cross section, cross-section
- modelssupermodel, spokesmodel, cover girl, mannequin, neural net
- softwaresoftware, app, apps, application, program
- techsoftware, hardware, code, coding, programming
- schemasschemas, schemata, star schema
- data systemsdatabase, schema, relational database, DBMS, SQL