In this step, it is important that we identify all simple attributes to be represented in the conceptual data model including those attributes that make up a composite attribute.
Single/multi-valued attributes In addition to being simple or composite, an attribute can also be single-valued or multi- valued (see Section 11.3.2). Most attributes encountered will be single-valued, but occasionally a multi-valued attribute may be encountered; that is, an attribute that holds multiple values for a single entity occurrence. For example, we may identify the attribute telNo (the telephone number) of the Client entity as a multi-valued attribute. On the other hand, client telephone numbers may have been identified as a separate entity from Client. This is an alternative, and equally valid, way to model this. As we will see in Step 2.1, multi-valued attributes are mapped to relations anyway, so both approaches produce the same end-result.
Derived attributes Attributes whose values are based on the values of other attributes are known as derived attributes (see Section 11.3.3). Examples of derived attributes include: n the age of a member of staff; n the number of properties that a member of staff manages; n the rental deposit (calculated as twice the monthly rent). Often, these attributes are not represented in the conceptual data model. However, some- times the value of the attribute or attributes on which the derived attribute is based may be deleted or modified. In this case, the derived attribute must be shown in the data model to avoid this potential loss of information. However, if a derived attribute is shown in the model, we must indicate that it is derived. The representation of derived attributes will be considered during physical database design. Depending on how an attribute is used, new values for a derived attribute may be calculated each time it is accessed or when the value(s) it is derived from changes. However, this issue is not the concern of conceptual database design, and is discussed in more detail in Step 3.2 in Chapter 17.
Potential problems When identifying the entities, relationships, and attributes for the view, it is not uncommon for it to become apparent that one or more entities, relationships, or attributes have been omitted from the original selection. In this case, return to the previous steps, document the new entities, relationships, or attributes and re-examine any associated relationships. As there are generally many more attributes than entities and relationships, it may be useful to first produce a list of all attributes given in the users’ requirements specification. As an attribute is associated with a particular entity or relationship, remove the attribute from the list. In this way, we ensure that an attribute is associated with only one entity or relationship type and, when the list is empty, that all attributes are associated with some entity or relationship type. We must also be aware of cases where attributes appear to be associated with more than one entity or relationship type as this can indicate the following:
In this step, it is important that we identify all simple attributes to be represented in the conceptual data model including those attributes that make up a composite attribute.
Single/multi-valued attributes In addition to being simple or composite, an attribute can also be single-valued or multi- valued (see Section 11.3.2). Most attributes encountered will be single-valued, but occasionally a multi-valued attribute may be encountered; that is, an attribute that holds multiple values for a single entity occurrence. For example, we may identify the attribute telNo (the telephone number) of the Client entity as a multi-valued attribute. On the other hand, client telephone numbers may have been identified as a separate entity from Client. This is an alternative, and equally valid, way to model this. As we will see in Step 2.1, multi-valued attributes are mapped to relations anyway, so both approaches produce the same end-result.
Derived attributes Attributes whose values are based on the values of other attributes are known as derived attributes (see Section 11.3.3). Examples of derived attributes include: n the age of a member of staff; n the number of properties that a member of staff manages; n the rental deposit (calculated as twice the monthly rent). Often, these attributes are not represented in the conceptual data model. However, some- times the value of the attribute or attributes on which the derived attribute is based may be deleted or modified. In this case, the derived attribute must be shown in the data model to avoid this potential loss of information. However, if a derived attribute is shown in the model, we must indicate that it is derived. The representation of derived attributes will be considered during physical database design. Depending on how an attribute is used, new values for a derived attribute may be calculated each time it is accessed or when the value(s) it is derived from changes. However, this issue is not the concern of conceptual database design, and is discussed in more detail in Step 3.2 in Chapter 17.
Potential problems When identifying the entities, relationships, and attributes for the view, it is not uncommon for it to become apparent that one or more entities, relationships, or attributes have been omitted from the original selection. In this case, return to the previous steps, document the new entities, relationships, or attributes and re-examine any associated relationships. As there are generally many more attributes than entities and relationships, it may be useful to first produce a list of all attributes given in the users’ requirements specification. As an attribute is associated with a particular entity or relationship, remove the attribute from the list. In this way, we ensure that an attribute is associated with only one entity or relationship type and, when the list is empty, that all attributes are associated with some entity or relationship type. We must also be aware of cases where attributes appear to be associated with more than one entity or relationship type as this can indicate the following:
การแปล กรุณารอสักครู่..