Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Key Points
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Physical data modeling is the process of capturing the detailed technical solution. This is the first time we are
actually concerning ourselves with technology and technology issues such as performance, storage, and
security.
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There are five steps to physical data modeling: embed or reference (Step 1), accommodate history (Step 2),
index and shard (Step 3), review and confirm (Step 4), and implement (Step 5).
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Follow the five guidelines to determine whether to embed or reference.
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The primary and alternate keys from our logical data model are converted into unique indexes on the physic-
al. We can also add additional indexes for performance, called secondary or non-unique indexes.
A star schema is when each set of tables that make up a dimension is flattened into a single table.
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Partitioning (called “sharding” in MongoDB) is when a collection is split up into two or more parts. Vertical
partitioning is when fields are split up, and horizontal is when documents are split up. Frequently, both
horizontal and vertical are used together.
