Data modeling: Difference between revisions

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In information system design, '''data modeling''' is the analysis and design of the information in the system, concentrating on the logical entities and the logical dependencies between these entities. Data modeling is an [[Abstraction|abstraction]] activity in that the details of the values of individual data observations are ignored in favor of the structure, relationships, names and formats of the data of interest, although a list of valid values is frequently recorded. It is by the data model that definitions of what the data means is related to the data structures.

While a common term for this activity is "data analysis" the activity actually has more in common with the ideas and methods of [[Synthesis|synthesis]] (putting things together) than it does in the original meaning of the term [[Analysis|analysis]] (taking things apart). This is because the activity strives to bring the data structures of interest together in a cohesive, inseparable, whole by eliminating unnecessary data redundancies and relating data structures by relationships.