A data model in a database management system (DBMS) is a conceptual tool that summarizes the description of the database. It defines the data elements and the relationships between them, and it provides a clear picture of the data, making it easier for developers to create a physical database. Data models are used to describe how data is stored, accessed, and updated in a DBMS. There are several types of data models used for understanding the structure of the database, including:
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Relational Data Model: This type of model designs the data in the form of rows and columns within a table. Thus, a relational model uses tables for representing data and in-between relationships. Tables are also called relations.
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Hierarchical Model: This model organizes data in a tree-like structure, where each record has a single parent or root.
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Network Model: This model is similar to the hierarchical model, but it allows each record to have multiple parents.
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Entity-Relationship Model: This model is used to represent the relationships between entities in a database.
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Object-Based Data Model: This model is an extension of the ER model with notions of functions, encapsulation, and object identity. It supports a rich type system that includes structured and collection types.
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Object-Relational Data Model: This model combines the features of object-oriented programming and relational databases.
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Flat Data Model: This model has a simple structure, where all data is stored in a single table.
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Semi-Structured Data Model: This model is used for representing data that does not fit into a traditional relational model, such as XML or JSON.
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Associative Data Model: This model is used for representing data that has many-to-many relationships.
The relational data model is the most widely used model, primarily used by commercial data processing applications. Data models provide data security in a better way, and the information in the data model can be u...
