Data Model Design Examples - Database Architecture
Discover data model design examples for relational and NoSQL databases. Normalisation, event sourcing and CQRS patterns.
The data model determines the scalability, performance and maintainability of your application. From 3NF normalisation for transactions to document models for flexibility — the right choice depends on your use case.
Normalised ER model for financial administration
An accounting firm had a data model designed with strict normalisation. Journal entries, ledger accounts and customers are linked via foreign keys with referential integrity.
- 3NF for transaction integrity
- Audit tables for history
- Indexes on frequently used joins
Document model for configuration-based product catalogue
An e-commerce platform used MongoDB for products with variable attributes. Each product category had its own fields without schema migrations.
- Embedded documents for variants
- Denormalisation for read performance
- Versioned documents for history
Key takeaways
- Relational for ACID and complex joins; document for flexible schemas.
- Denormalise only where reads far outnumber writes.
- Migration strategies are crucial for schema changes.
How MG Software can help
MG Software designs data models that scale and remain maintainable. From relational to event-sourced — we choose the right model.
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