Database Model Template

This template helps you design robust database models with proper entity relationships, data integrity constraints, and performance considerations. It covers conceptual, logical, and physical database modeling.

Sample Prompt

Create a database model for a library management system:
- Entities: books, authors, members, loans, categories
- Relationships: many-to-many between books and authors, one-to-many for loans
- Constraints: unique ISBN, member limits, loan periods
- Indexes: search optimization for book titles and author names
- Normalization to 3NF while considering query performance

What This Template Covers

  • Entity relationship design with proper cardinality and participation constraints
  • Normalization strategies balancing data integrity with query performance
  • Data integrity constraints including primary keys, foreign keys, and business rules
  • Index design for optimal query performance and data retrieval
  • Data type selection and storage optimization considerations
  • Model documentation with clear entity descriptions and relationship explanations

Best Practices

  1. Start with conceptual modeling before diving into implementation details
  2. Normalize appropriately without over-engineering the design
  3. Define clear business rules and implement them as database constraints
  4. Plan for scalability with partitioning and indexing strategies
  5. Document relationships clearly with proper cardinality notation
  6. Consider query patterns when designing indexes and table structures
  7. Validate the model with sample data and common query scenarios
  8. Review with stakeholders to ensure business requirements are met

When to Use This Template

  • Designing database schemas for new applications
  • Refactoring existing database structures
  • Creating data models for specific business domains
  • Planning database migrations and upgrades
  • Teaching database design concepts and best practices

The Script

peep database-model