Entity-Relationship Model
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
A data modeling method proposed by Peter Chen, which describes information structure with three elements: - Entity: things in the real world (e.g., "Student", "Course") - Attribute: characteristics of an entity (e.g., "Name", "Credits") - Relationship: connections between entities (e.g., "Enrolls in").
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
Structure chaotic information. When facing complex information, ask "What entities are there? What attributes do they have? What are the relationships between them?" This is a basic method for organizing information, not limited to database design.
Anchor fast decisions
Information structure can be decomposed into three basic components: entities, attributes, and relationships. Entities are objective things, attributes describe their characteristics, and relationships depict connections between entities. Use graphical methods to structure chaotic information, facilitating communication and subsequent design.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/5Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entity%E2%80%93relationship_modelverified
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