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