Patterns of Data Modeling

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.

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.

Introduction What Is a Model?Modeling NotationWhat Is a Pattern?Why are Patterns Important?Drawbacks of PatternsPattern vs. Seed ModelAspects of Pattern Technology

MATHEMATICAL TEMPLATES

Tree TemplateHardcoded Tree TemplateSimple Tree TemplateStructured Tree TemplateOverlapping Trees TemplateTree Changing Over Time TemplateDegenerate Node and Edge Template
Directed Graph TemplateSimple Directed Graph TemplateStructured Directed Graph TemplateNode and Edge Directed Graph TemplateConnection Directed Graph TemplateSimple DG Changing Over Time TemplateNode and Edge DG Changing Over Time Template
Undirected Graph TemplateNode and Edge Undirected Graph TemplateConnection Undirected Graph TemplateUndirected Graph Changing Over Time Template
Item Description TemplateItem Description TemplateHomomorphism Template
Star Schema TemplateStar Schema Template
Summary of Templates

ANTIPATTERNS

Universal AntipatternsSymmetric Relationship AntipatternDead Elements AntipatternDisguised Fields AntipatternArtificial Hardcoded Levels AntipatternExcessive Generalization AntipatternDisconnected Entity Types AntipatternModeling Errors AntipatternMultiple Inheritance AntipatternParadigm Degradation Antipattern

Non-Data-Warehouse Antipatterns
Derived Data AntipatternParallel Attributes AntipatternParallel Relationships AntipatternCombined Entity Types Antipattern

ARCHETYPES

ArchetypesAccountActorAddressAssetContractCourseCustomerDocumentEventFlightItemLocationOpportunityPartPaymentPositionProductRoleTransactionVendor

IDENTITY
IdentityIntrinsic IdentityNamesSurrogate IdentityStructured FieldsMaster ApplicationsMerging Data

CANONICAL MODELS

Language TranslationAlternative ArchitecturesAttribute Translation in PlacePhrase-to-Phrase TranslationLanguage-Neutral Translation

Softcoded ValuesUML ModelIDEF1X ModelArchitectureSoftcoding Variations

Generic DiagramsGeneric Diagram ExamplesDiagram Subject AreaModel Subject AreaModel–Diagram Binding Subject AreaDiagram Type Subject AreaDiagram Example, Revisited
State DiagramsState DiagramsScenarios
RELATIONAL DATABASE DESIGN

Relational Database DesignMapping: Entity TypesMapping: Non-Qualified RelationshipsMapping Qualified RelationshipsMapping: GeneralizationsDesign IdentityReferential IntegrityMiscellaneous Database ConstraintsIndexesGenerating SQL Code
APPENDICES

Explanation of the UML NotationEntity TypeRelationshipsGeneralization

Explanation of the IDEF1X Notation Entity TypeRelationshipsGeneralization

GlossaryIndex

All chapters conclude with a chapter summary; most include bibliographic notes & references