Mastering data modeling

Mastering Data Modeling is a complete guide to becoming a successful data modele Featuring a requirements-driven approach, this book clearly explains fundamental con cepts, introduces a user-oriented data modeling notation, and describes a rigorous, step by-step process for collecting, modeling, and documenting the kinds of data that users need.

Assuming no prior knowledge of the subject, Mastering Data Modeling sets forth several fundamental problems of data modeling, such as reconciling the software developer's demand for rigor with the users' equally valid need to speak their own (sometimes vague) natural language. In addition, it describes the good habits that help you respond to these fundamental problems. With these good habits in mind, the book describes the Logical Data Structure (LDS) notation and the process of controlled evolution by which you can create low-cost, user-approved data models that resist premature obsolescence. Also included is an encyclopedic analysis of all data shapes that you may encounter. Most notably, the book describes The Flow, a loosely scripted process by which you and the users gradually but continuously improve an LDS until it faithfully represents the informational needs. Essential implementation and technology issues are also covered.

You will learn about such vital topics as:

• The fondamental problems of data modeling
• The good habits that help a data modeler bc effective and economical
• LDS notation, which encourages these good habits
• How to read an LDS aloud-in declarative English sentences
• How to write a well-formed (syntactically correct) LDS
• How to get users to name the parts of an LDS with words froin their own business vocabulary
• How to visualize data for an LDS
• A catalog of LDS shapes that recur throughout all data models
• The Flow-the template for your conversations with users
• How to document an LDS for users, data modelers, and technologists
• How to map an LDS to a relational schema
• How LDS differs from other notations and whv

  "Story interludes" appear throughout the boo,,, illustrating real-world successes of the LDS notation and controlled evolution process. Numerous exercises help you master critical skills. In addition, two detailed, armetated sample conversations with users show you the process of controlled evolution in action.

  Contents

  • Chapter 1 Introduction1
  • Chapter 2 Good habits
  • Chapter 3 Reading an LDS with Sentences
  • Chapter 4 Vocabulary of LDS
  • Chapter 5 Visualing Allowed and Dissallowed Instances
  • Chapter 6 A Conversation with Users About Creatures and Skills
  • Story Interlude
  • Chapter 7 Introduction to Mastering Shpes
  • Chapter 8 One-Entity, no-Relationship Shapes
  • Chapter 9 One-Attribute Shapes
  • Chapter 10 Two-Entity Shapes
  • Chapter 11 Shapes with More than two Entites
  • Chapter 12 Shapes with Reflexive Relationships
  • Story Interlude
  • Chapter 13 LDS Suntax Rules
  • Chapter 14 Getting the names Right
  • Chapter 15 Official Names
  • Chapter 16 Labeling Links
  • Chapter 17 Documenting an LDS
  • Story Interlude
  • Chapter 18 Script for Controlled Evolution : The Flow
  • Chapter 19 Local, Anytime Steps of Controlled Evolution
  • Chapter 20 Global, Anytime Steps Of Controlled Evolution
  • Chapter 21 Conversations About Dairy Farming
  • Story Interlude
  • Chapter 22 Constraints
  • Chapter 23 LDS for LDS
  • Chapter 24 Decisions : Designing a Data-Modeling Notation
  • Chapter 25 LDS and the Relational Model
  • Chapter 26 Cookbook : Recipes for data modelers
  • Story Interlude
  • Appendix : Exercices for Mastery
  • Index