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

Sentinel-free schemas: a thought experiment

393 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Data Management Database Design Data Integrity Data processing
  1. NULL values in databases create compatibility issues and add complexity to conditional operations
  2. Sentinel values, like empty strings or placeholders, are similar to NULL values and can lead to incorrect results
  3. Creating sentinel-free schemas involves separating attributes into individual tables and explicitly defining reasons for missing data

Designing database for Google Calendar, drafts

98 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.

Data modeling brain dump, vol. I

393 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.
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The scope of the data modeling book

196 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.

Book update

98 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

98 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

98 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]

98 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🕹 Technology Databases Programming Data Management
  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

98 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]

98 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.

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.

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.