In this article, we explain what a database entity is and describe other database elements.
Database entities
A database entity can be anything that exists in the real world such as a person, a book, a product, a company, an event, etc.
Attributes
In the real world, almost everything has certain characteristics. In databases, the characteristics are represented by attributes. For example, a person entity may have attributes such as name, surname, age, contact information, address and others.
Relationships
A database entity can also have relationships with other entities. A relationship is a connection between two or more entities. For example, a person entity may have a relationship with a company entity, indicating that the person works for the company.
How to design a database entity
To design a database entity, we need to identify the following elements:
- The name of the entity, which should be clear and descriptive.
- The attributes of the entity, which should capture the essential characteristics of the entity. Each attribute should have a name and a data type, such as string, integer, date, etc.
- The primary key of the entity, which should uniquely identify each instance of the entity. The primary key can be a single attribute or a combination of attributes.
- The relationships of the entity with other entities. Each relationship should have a name and a cardinality, such as one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-many, etc.
Using data modeling tools
You can use data modeling tools such as Luna Modeler to conveniently design your database. The tool supports the creation of a logical model in which you can easily and comfortably visualize entities, attributes, relationships, and other information.
Conclusion
A database entity is a fundamental concept in database design and development. By following the steps of identifying, defining and designing database entities, we can create efficient and effective databases that meet our specifications.
Get started today and try Luna Modeler
Download Luna Modeler