Data Models

Introduction
• A data model is a collection of concepts that can be used to describe the
structure of the database including data types, relationships and the
constraints that apply on the data.
• A data model helps in understanding the meaning of the data and ensures
that, we understand.
• – The data requirements of each user.
• – The use of data across various applications.
• – The nature of data independent of its physical representations.

Types of Data Models

(i) Record Based Data Models.
(ii) Object Based Data Models.
(iii) Physical Data Models.
 Record Based Data Models
• These models represent data by using the record structures.
• These are used to describe data at the conceptual view level.
• These are named because the database is structured in a fixed
format records of several types.
• The use of fixed length records simplify the physical level
implementation of the database.
• These models lie between the object based data models and the
physical data models.
• These models are used to specify overall logical structure of the
database and to provide high level description of implementation.
• These data models can be further categorized into three types:
– (a) Hierarchical Data Model
– (b) Network Data Model
– (c) Relational Data Model
Hierarchical Data Model
• Hierarchical Data Model is one of the oldest
database models.
• The hierarchical model became popular with the
introduction of IBM’s Information Management
System (IMS).
• The hierarchical data model organizes records in a
tree structure i.e., hierarchy of parent and child
records relationships.
• The model requires that each child record can be
linked to only one parent and child can only be
reached through its parent.
• The major advantages of Hierarchical Model are
that it is simple, efficient, maintains data integrity
and is the first model that provides the concept of
data security.
• The major disadvantages of Hierarchical model are
that it is complex to implement, Lacking of
structural independence, operational anomalies
and data management problem.
 Network Data Model
• The ability of this model to handle many to many (N : N) relations between
its records is the main distinguishing feature from the hierarchical model.
• Thus, this model permits a child record to have more than one parent.
• In this model, directed graphs are used instead of tree structure in which a
node can have more than one parent.
• This model was basically designed to handle non-hierarchical relationships.
• There are two basic data structures in this model—Records and Sets.
• The record contains the detailed information regarding the data which are
classified into record types.
• A set type represents relationship between record types and this model use
linked lists to represent these relationships.
• The major advantages of Network Model are that it is conceptually simple,
Handles more relationship types, promotes database integrity, data access
flexibility and conformance to the standards.
• The major disadvantages of Network Model are that it is complex and lack of
structural independence.
 Relational data Model
• The Relational Model was first introduced by Dr. Edgar Frank, an Oxford-trained
Mathematician, while working in IBM Research Centre in 1970’s.
• In the relational model the data is represented in the form of tables which is used
interchangeably with the word Relation.
• Each table consists of rows also knowns as tuples and column also known as attributes
• The Relational Model is considered one of the most popular developments in the database
technology because it can be used for representing most of the real world objects and the
relationships between them.
• The main significance of the model is the absolute separation of the logical view and the
physical view of the data.
• The relational model consists of three components:
– A structural component—A set of tables and set of domains that defines the way data
can be represented.
– A set of rules for maintaining the integrity of the database.
– A manipulative component consisting of a set of high-level operations which act upon
and produce whole tables.
• The major advantages of Relational Model are that it is structurally independent, improved
conceptual simplicity adhoc query capability and powerful DBMS.
• The major disadvantages of relational model are substantial hardware and software
overhead and facilitates poor design and implementation.
 Object Based Data Models
• Object Based Data Models are also known as conceptual models used for defining
concepts including entries, attributes and relationships between them.
• These models are used in describing the data at the logical and user view levels.
• These models allow the constraints to be specified on the data explicitly by the
users.
• An entity is a distinct object which has existence in real world. It will be
implemented as a table in a database.
• An attribute is the property of an entity, in other words, attribute is a single atomic
unit of information that describes something about its entity.
• These data models can be further categorized into four types:
– (a) Entity Relationship Model (ER-Model)
– (b) Object Oriented Model
– (c) Semantic Data Model
– (d) Functional Data Model
 Entity Relationship Model (ER-Model)
• The E-R model is a high level conceptual data model developed by Chen in 1976 to
facilitate database design.
• The E-R model is the generalization of earlier available commercial model like the
hierarchical and network model.
• It also allows the representation of the various constraints as well as their
relationships.
• E-R model is shown diagrammatically using entity-relationship (E-R) diagrams
which represents the elements of the conceptual model that show the meanings
and relationships between those elements independent of any particular DBMS.
• The major advantages of E-R model are that it is conceptually simple, have vishal
representation, an effective communication tool and can be integrated with the
relational data model.
• The major disadvantages of E-R model are that there are limited constraint
representation, limited relationship representation, no data manipulation
language and loss of information content.
 Entity Relationship Model (ER-Model)
• The various features of E-R model are:
(i) E-R Model can be easily converted into relations
(tables).
(ii) E-R Model is used for purpose of good database design
by database developer.
(iii) It is helpful as a problem decomposition tool as it shows
entities and the relationship between those entities.
(iv) It is an iterative process.
(v) It is very simple and easy to understand by various types
of users.
 Object-Oriented Data Model
• Object-oriented data model is a logical data model that captures
the semantics of objects supported in an object-oriented
programming.
• It is based on collection of objects, attributes and relationships
which together form the static properties.
• It also consists of the integrity rules over objects and dynamic
properties such as operations or rules defining new database
states.
• An object is a collection of data and methods. When different
objects of same type are grouped together they form a class.
• This model is used basically for multimedia applications as well as
data with complex relationships.
• The object model is represented graphically with object diagrams
containing object classes. Classes are arranged into hierarchies
sharing common structure and behaviour and are associated with
 Object-Oriented Data Model
• Advantages of Object-Oriented Data Models
– Capability to handle various data types : The object-oriented databases has the
capability to store various types of data such as text, video pictures, voices etc.

– Improved data access : Object oriented data models represent relationships

explicitly. This improves the data access.

– Improved productivity : Object-oriented data models provide various features such

as inheritance, polymorphism and dynamic binding that allow the users to compose
objects. These features increase the productivity of the database developer.

– iIntegrated application development system : Object-oriented data model is

capable of combining object-oriented programming with database technology
which provides an integrated application development system.
 Object-Oriented Data Model
• Disadvantages of Object-Oriented Data Models

– Not suitable for all applications : Object-oriented data models are used where
there is a need to manage complex relationships among data objects. They are
generally suited for applications such as e-commerce, engineering and science
etc. and not for all applications.

– No precise definition : It is difficult to define what constitutes an object-oriented

DBMS since the name has been applicable to wide variety of products.

– Difficult to maintain : The definition of object is required to be changed

periodically and migration of existing databases to confirm to the new object
definition. It creates problems when changing object definitions and migrating
databases.
 Physical Data Models
• These models provide the concepts that describes the details of how the
data is stored in the computer along with their record structures, access
paths and ordering.
• The physical Data Model is used to practically implement Relational Data
Model. Ultimately, all data in a database is stored physically on a
secondary storage device such as discs and tapes.
• This Data Model describes HOW the system will be implemented using a
specific DBMS system. This model is typically created by DBA and
developers. The purpose is actual implementation of the database.
• Only specialized or professional users can use these models.
• These data models can be divided into two types:
– Unifying Model.
– Frame Memory Model.
Comparison of Various Data Models