Mastering Data Modeling: A User-Driven Approach

Data modeling is one of the most critical phases in the database application development process, but also the phase most likely to fail. A master data modeler must come into any organization, understand its data requirements, and skillfully model the data for applications that most effectively serve organizational needs.

Mastering Data Modeling is a complete guide to becoming a successful data modeler. Featuring a requirements-driven approach, this book clearly explains fundamental concepts, 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, Mastering Data Modelingsets 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 will 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 information needs. Essential implementation and technology issues are also covered.

John Carlis is on the faculty in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Minnesota. For the past twenty years he has taught, consulted, and conducted research on database systems, particularly in data modeling and database language extensions. Visit his homepage at www.cs.umn.edu/~carlis.

Joseph Maguire is an independent consultant and the creator of the forthcoming Web sitewww.logicaldatastructures.com. For the past 18 years he has been an employee or consultant for many companies, including Bachman Information Systems, Digital, Lotus, Microsoft, and US WEST.

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