Minimal Modeling

Minimal Modeling focuses on efficient data modeling techniques, discussing topics ranging from database design, execution of minimal modeling principles, practical examples like Google Calendar, to discussions on null values, sentinel-free schemas, incremental documentation, and the importance of primary and composite keys. It also covers logical and physical models, with insights into relational database management history.

Database Design Data Modeling Techniques Database Documentation Logical and Physical Database Models Primary and Composite Keys Null Values and Sentinel-Free Schemas Relational Database Management Table Design Strategies

The hottest Substack posts of Minimal Modeling

And their main takeaways

Relational modeling challenge

811 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Data Modeling Programming Languages Software Development Database Design
  1. A key goal in data modeling is to make sure invalid data states cannot be created. This means designing systems where incorrect data combinations are impossible.
  2. The challenge presented involves creating a way to track daily coffee consumption while preventing contradictory data entries, like recording that a user both had coffee and was coffee-free on the same day.
  3. Using common database features, the task is to develop a solution that complies with standard relational model rules, avoiding the use of tricks like JSON data types or triggers.

Historically, 4NF explanations are needlessly confusing

608 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Database Design Data Structures Software Development Information Systems
  1. Fourth Normal Form (4NF) is mainly about creating simple two-column tables to link related data, like teachers and their skills. This straightforward design is often overlooked in favor of complex definitions.
  2. Many explanations of 4NF start with confusing three-column tables and then break them down into simpler forms. This approach makes it harder for learners to grasp the concept quickly and effectively.
  3. The term 'multivalued dependency' can be simplified to just mean a list of unique IDs. You don’t really need to focus on this term to design good database tables; it's more of a historical detail.

Podcast guest appearance

202 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Database Design Data Management Programming
  1. The podcast discussed database design and Minimal Modeling for almost two hours. It shared valuable insights on how to create better database structures.
  2. The speaker is open to appearing on other podcasts and is willing to talk about topics like data documentation and software development processes.
  3. There's a recent podcast episode available, but it is in Russian, limiting its audience. If you need help with databases, the speaker is approachable.

Data modeling brain dump, vol. I

405 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Data Modeling
  1. The author has been sharing daily Twitter threads on data-related topics, which will continue as long as there is something to write about.
  2. The author is considering crossposting these threads to Substack Notes and is seeking feedback on reader interest.
  3. The author has found changing the cadence and format of their posts to be refreshing and an interesting experiment.

The scope of the data modeling book

202 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Data Modeling Database Design
  1. Data modeling involves layers like actual business domain, logical model, physical model, and database storage optimization.
  2. Focus primarily on the logical model and how it maps to the physical model for practical advice on table structures.
  3. Key areas within the scope of data modeling include basic logical model, handling either/or/or data, modeling polymorphic data, template repetitions, basic physical model, and secondary data.
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Designing database for Google Calendar, drafts

101 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Database Design
  1. The author is working on a detailed text about designing a database for a product similar to Google Calendar, following concepts from a specific book.
  2. The current text has four sections with more to come and will also become a chapter in a book, with chapters shared via a mailing list.
  3. Feedback is sought, especially from those new to database modeling, on the outlined topics like all-day events, time-based events, and more.

Book update

101 implied HN points • 21 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Database Design
  1. The author is working on a book about Database Design using a Minimal Modeling approach
  2. The course focused on logical modeling, secondary data, and table design strategies
  3. Logical modeling helps address complex questions and lays the foundation for successful table design

Database Modeling book — beta readers wanted

101 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Book Writing
  1. The book is about database modeling and is aimed at beginners.
  2. The book helps readers go from a vague idea to defining database tables using a straightforward process.
  3. The book covers traditional relational databases like MySQL and Postgres, and also provides insights for designing tables in non-relational databases like MongoDB.

More on false links

101 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Data Modeling Database Management
  1. In modeling, consider defining links based on specific sentence structures, like anchor, verb, anchor.
  2. Carefully distinguish between false links and actual links to avoid modeling mistakes.
  3. Identifying and managing different types of links can prevent confusion and improve database accuracy.

(1/3) “Relational Database Management: A Status Report” [Chris Date, 1983]

101 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🕹 Technology Databases Programming Data Management Database Systems
  1. The video discusses the historical background of relational databases, starting in 1983.
  2. Key points include the slow process of database system installation and the importance of primary keys in database design.
  3. Discussion on relational operations like join and divide, emphasizing the significance of these operations in practical database management.

How Minimal Modeling treats NULLs

101 implied HN points • 09 Feb 23
  1. Attribute values in Minimal Modeling should be meaningful, avoiding NULL values.
  2. Pragmatically, Minimal Modeling acknowledges that data quality issues like empty strings or weird values can be present in the physical layer.
  3. Documentation queries in Minimal Modeling help navigate and handle the absence of data effectively.

WordPress 6: Minimal Modeling case study. Part I. [video]

101 implied HN points • 21 Aug 22
  1. WordPress 6 database has 12 tables and 94 columns.
  2. The first video covers workspace organization, cataloging process, and object descriptions.
  3. Video length is 48 minutes and catalogs two anchors, six attributes, and one link.

How to grow as a database developer?

3 HN points • 08 Dec 22
  1. Learn the business domain language to communicate effectively with stakeholders like data analysts and marketing.
  2. Focus on removing organizational bottlenecks around data processes to reduce friction and enable smoother transitions for new team members.
  3. Consider the cost and value of data storage and processing, optimize for efficiency, and aim to enable others by leveraging their skills.

Minimal Modeling: processes and deliverables

0 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Database Design Documentation
  1. Creating a logical model from textual descriptions helps database novices and streamlines schema design.
  2. Designing physical table schemas based on the logical model involves making choices and adapting to business changes.
  3. Extracting a logical model from a real-world database using minimal modeling can improve onboarding and communication in a lightweight, collaborative way.

An algebraic curiosity

0 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Database
  1. There is always one non-1NF relation in every real-world database.
  2. The relation discussed is undeniably not in the first normal form.
  3. This construction exists in every WordPress installation, among other databases.