Page 449 - Computer_Science_F5

Computer Science (iv) Entity-Relationship Diagram database example. While convenient
(ERD): An ERD visually depicts the for basic situations, flat files become
structure and connections of entities, cumbersome for managing intricate data
using symbols like rectangles, structures.
diamonds, and ovals to represent
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entities, relationships, and attributes.
(v) Normalization: The ER model Exercise 8.2
aids in normalization, a process 1. Explain the concept of a database
that minimizes data redundancy model and explain its significance
and ensures data integrity by in contemporary information
organizing data into multiple tables systems.
and establishing relationships. 2. How do hierarchical and network
(vi) Database design: Serving as a models differ, and provide practical
blueprint, the ER model guides the examples of their applications?
design of the database, enabling 3. Compare and contrast relational
designers to understand entity and object-oriented models, and
structures and relationships before cite real-world examples.
implementing tables, columns, and
connections in the database. Database design
(vii) ER diagram tools: Various Database design is a fundamental topic
tools facilitate the creation and that involves creating a detailed data
visualisation of ER diagrams, model of a database. This data model
offering graphical interfaces outlines how data is stored, organised,
for designing, modifying, and and manipulated, allowing for efficient
documenting database structures. data retrieval, business operations,
These tools assist in creating clear decision-making, and data analytics. The
representations of the database data models are also crucial in the design
design. and implementation of databases as they
provide a clear framework for how data

(f) Flat file database model is connected and how it flows through
In the flat file model, all the data is systems, helping in designing databases
stored in a single table, similar to a basic that are efficient, reliable, and scalable, and
list. Think of a student’s list with just ensuring data integrity and consistency.
student names. While relatively easy to They are categorized into a conceptual data
create, limitations arise when dealing model, logical data model and physical data
with complex relationships between model. These detailed data models are data
data points. For example, a flat file list models that are specified data structures
would not show which student belongs and business rules in a relational database
to which combination in the student’s model design.

440
for Advanced Secondary Schools

Computer Science Form 5.indd 440 23/07/2024 12:34