Contents

Contents at a Glance              5

Contents              7

Acknowledgements              15

Foreword              17

Read me first!              19

How to get the Most out of this Book              21

Icons Used in this Book              22

Conventions Used in this Book              23

In Summary              23

SECTION I: Data Modeling Introduction              25

CHAPTER 1: What is a data model?              27

Wayfinding Explained              28

Data Model Explained              28

Fun with Ice Cream              29

Fun with Business Cards              30

EXERCISE 1: Educating Your Neighbor              33

CHAPTER 2: Why do we need a data model?              35

Communication              35

Precision              36

Data Model Uses              38

EXERCISE 2: Converting the Non-Believer              39

SECTION II: Data Model Components              41

CHAPTER 3: What are entities?              43

Entity Explained              43

Entity Types              45

EXERCISE 3: Defining Subject Areas              47

CHAPTER 4: What are data elements?              49

Data Element Explained              49

Data Element Types              49

Domain Explained              50

EXERCISE 4: Assigning Domains              52