![]() ![]() The line that separates them is not defined, nor is the level of detail set for each one. Most software designers (architects, solution designers, and software analysts) may skip a conceptual data model and start directly with a logical data model. It should use business names for entities and attributes, since its purpose is to describe the data structures required, not to create the actual database. ![]() the database and platform) that will be used to implement the model. However, it does not consider the technologies (i.e. It goes beyond the conceptual model it includes entities, relationships, details on entities’ different attributes, and unique ways to identify entities (primary keys) and establish the relationships between them (foreign keys).Ī logical data model should contain all the details to define an information domain. ![]() Below we can see a very simple conceptual data model that represents authors, books, and publishers.Ĭonceptual data models are usually very simple, but sometimes the data structure diagrams used to represent them also include basic definitions of entities’ attributes, as shown below: Logical Data ModelĪ logical data model is probably the most-used data model. The main use of a conceptual data model is to define the scope of a business solution without going into any details.Ĭonceptual data models are represented using a data structure diagram (DSD), a predecessor of the well-known entity-relationship diagrams (ERD). Normally, entities are specified at a high level, using business rather than technical names this allows the models to be understood by management and users and not just the technical staff. We can consider the conceptual stage as an initial model, without all the details required to create a database. We don’t usually include any details about each piece of information. Conceptual Data ModelĪ conceptual data model usually just includes the main concepts (entities) required to store information and the relationships that exist between these entities. a quick, high-level view of the business requirements) to logical (where the entities involved are expanded and include more detail) and finally the physical data model, which can be implemented with a specific database provider (like Oracle, SQL Server, or MySQL). Conceptual, Logical and Physical Data Models Explained and Comparedĭata models evolve from conceptual (i.e. In this article, we are going to review each one, understand their different features, and explain when to use them. The different model types (conceptual, logical, and physical) have different levels of detail and are used at different stages of the software development process. It requires a good understanding of the desired business outcome and is the foundation for creating a robust software solution. Find out the differences and use cases for each one.ĭata modeling implies identifying and defining entities and their relationships for a business solution. Depending on the purpose, we may need to create either a conceptual, logical, or physical data model. ![]()
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