Universal Data Modeling

Chapter 6. Logical Model Types and Key-Based Models

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You have built your foundations of conceptual and logical modeling principles, as well as the understanding of the document model. The next natural step is to explore the many different logical models and their approaches to data structures and operations. As discussed many times in this book, the choice of logical model types should be based on the usage scenario. It is the data modeler’s job to select the best model type for the usage.

The previous chapter demonstrated how the document model can use flexible schemas and nested structures to effectively represent complex entities. It also discussed the challenges that arise when reading, querying, and maintaining deeply embedded data. Recognizing these strengths and limitations sets the stage for understanding why additional logical models play essential roles in modern data management.

In this chapter, you will examine the key-value model, one of the earliest and simplest NoSQL approaches. The first concept to ...