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Database Models



Now that you already have a database introduction let us talk about the database models. This is going to give you more insight on how it works ‘from the inside’.

Data base models determine how data can be stored, organized and manipulated in the data base.  The most common database model is the relational model. Here are some of the different models:

Hierarchical Model

It organizes data in a tree structure; therefore, there is a ‘parent’ and ‘child’ data segments. This means that a record can have repeating information, which can be found in the ‘child’ part.

Network Model

A flexible way to represent objects and their relationships.  It is a graph where object types are ‘nodes’ and relationship types are ‘arcs’. This model allows multiple parent and child records.

Relational Model

This database model is organized in tables with columns and rows. For instance, three key terms are used: relations, attributes and domains.

Named columns of a relation = attributes
Set of values that attributes are allowed to take = domain

For example:

The information of an entity (an employee from ‘X’ company) can be represented in rows and columns.  The columns describe various attributes (employee’s name, address and phone number); the row is the instance of the entity (a specific employee).

Therefore, the employee (entity), and his data (attributes) are related.

Object Relational Model

It adds new storage capabilities to relational systems such as management of traditional (fielded) data and other complex objects like time-series, geospatial data and binary media (audio, video, images and applets).

Object-Oriented Model

It gives functionality to object programming languages, which means that applications require less coding, use data modeling, and it is easier to maintain code bases. Programming languages like C++, Smalltalk and Java are compatible.

Entity- Attribute- Value (EAV) data model

This model can be explained with Clinical Findings, where entity (first column) is the start and end of the patient’s examination; attribute (second column) is a description, data type, units of measurement, maximum and minimum permissible values among others. The Value depends on the data type (third column). Click on the image to enlarge.


Is there any other models with more common use?

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Pan American Values





In sports competitions, there’s usually a prize for the first three positions. It could be a trophy, a medal or a combination of both plus flowers.


 
However, in the Pan American Games 2011, taking place in Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico, the concept is remarkable. The three mascots in this competition are the ambassadors of Pan American Values, and are in charge of positioning visually the competition, since they highlight different aspects in Jalisco:


Gavo (the agave plant):  represents the region where a famous product is produced: Tequila. His main values are respect and happiness.

Leo (the lion): symbol of the state of Jalisco, which reflects loyalty and discipline.

Huichi (the deer): ambassador for the Huichols (ethnic group in of western central Mexico). Friendship and companionship are her main characteristics.

For instance, as the winners receive their medals, they also get a cuddly toy of each character; thus, the toys work as an item that will remind them of their participation in a stronger way than flowers would do.


Men and women get the toys, not minding that the former might decide to make a present to their girlfriends later on.

On the other hand, it is almost impossible to deny that these mascots are cute, aren’t they?








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