Best-selling author and database expert with more than 25 years of experience modeling application and enterprise data, Dr. Michael Blaha provides tried and tested data model patterns, to help readers avoid common modeling mistakes and unnecessary frustration on their way to building effective data models. Unlike the typical methodology book, Patterns of Data Modeling provides advanced techniques for those who have mastered the basics.
Recognizing that database representation sets the path for software, determines its flexibility, affects its quality, and influences whether it succeeds or fails, the text focuses on databases rather than programming. It is one of the first books to apply the popular patterns perspective to database systems and data models. It offers practical advice on the core aspects of applications and provides authoritative coverage of mathematical templates, antipatterns, archetypes, identity, canonical models, and relational database design.
Introduction
What Is a Model?
Modeling Notation
What Is a Pattern?
Why are Patterns Important?
Drawbacks of Patterns
Pattern vs. Seed Model
Aspects of Pattern Technology
MATHEMATICAL TEMPLATES
Tree Template
Hardcoded Tree Template
Simple Tree Template
Structured Tree Template
Overlapping Trees Template
Tree Changing Over Time Template
Degenerate Node and Edge Template
Directed Graph Template
Simple Directed Graph Template
Structured Directed Graph Template
Node and Edge Directed Graph Template
Connection Directed Graph Template
Simple DG Changing Over Time Template
Node and Edge DG Changing Over Time Template
Undirected Graph Template
Node and Edge Undirected Graph Template
Connection Undirected Graph Template
Undirected Graph Changing Over Time Template
Item Description Template
Item Description Template
Homomorphism Template
Star Schema Template
Star Schema Template
Summary of Templates
ANTIPATTERNS
Universal Antipatterns
Symmetric Relationship Antipattern
Dead Elements Antipattern
Disguised Fields Antipattern
Artificial Hardcoded Levels Antipattern
Excessive Generalization Antipattern
Disconnected Entity Types Antipattern
Modeling Errors Antipattern
Multiple Inheritance Antipattern
Paradigm Degradation Antipattern
Non-Data-Warehouse Antipatterns
Derived Data Antipattern
Parallel Attributes Antipattern
Parallel Relationships Antipattern
Combined Entity Types Antipattern
ARCHETYPES
Archetypes
Account
Actor
Address
Asset
Contract
Course
Customer
Document
Event
Flight
Item
Location
Opportunity
Part
Payment
Position
Product
Role
Transaction
Vendor
IDENTITY
Identity
Intrinsic Identity
Names
Surrogate Identity
Structured Fields
Master Applications
Merging Data
CANONICAL MODELS
Language Translation
Alternative Architectures
Attribute Translation in Place
Phrase-to-Phrase Translation
Language-Neutral Translation
Softcoded Values
UML Model
IDEF1X Model
Architecture
Softcoding Variations
Generic Diagrams
Generic Diagram Examples
Diagram Subject Area
Model Subject Area
Model–Diagram Binding Subject Area
Diagram Type Subject Area
Diagram Example, Revisited
State Diagrams
State Diagrams
Scenarios
RELATIONAL DATABASE DESIGN
Relational Database Design
Mapping: Entity Types
Mapping: Non-Qualified Relationships
Mapping Qualified Relationships
Mapping: Generalizations
Design Identity
Referential Integrity
Miscellaneous Database Constraints
Indexes
Generating SQL Code
APPENDICES
Explanation of the UML Notation
Entity Type
Relationships
Generalization
Explanation of the IDEF1X Notation
Entity Type
Relationships
Generalization
Glossary
Index
All chapters conclude with a chapter summary; most include bibliographic notes & references
Biography
Serving as program and conference chair at the Working Conference on Reverse Engineering, Dr. Michael Blaha has authored six U.S. patents, four widely used books, and many papers while giving lectures throughout the world. Since 1994 Dr. Blaha has been a consultant and trainer in conceiving, architecting, modeling, designing, and tuning databases. He has worked with dozens of organizations throughout the world. He received his doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis and is an alumnus of GE Global Research in Schenectady, NY.
Patterns of Data Modeling should be on the shelf of every database, software, and systems architect. The book captures decades of experience, presenting distilled knowledge in a concise and easy-to-understand format. The breadth of coverage is enormous, ranging from basic data structures through star schema, archetypes for representing commonly found concepts, and canonical models for tough problems.
—Paul C. Brown, Principal Software Architect, TIBCO Software Inc.Mike Blaha has written a clear book with precise definitions and excellent examples. All examples are presented in a graphical form that is easy to read and understand. Blaha assumes the reader has a basic understanding of data modeling, but gives his examples in such a way that if the reader needs some review, it is built in.
—Toby Teorey, author of Database Modeling and Design, Fourth EditionAlso endorsed by the Sparx Systems Enterprise Architect Community
