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Glossary > Database model

What is Database model?

Understanding Database model

Describes the relationship between the data elements and provides a framework for organizing the data. A database model is the theoretical foundation defining how data is structured, organized, and manipulated within a database. Common models include relational tables with relationships, document JSON XML documents, key-value, hierarchical, network, and graph models. Each model has different security implications and capabilities. Database security considerations are included in standards like ISO 27001 and NIST SP 800-53. Organizations select appropriate database models based on data structure, query patterns, security requirements, and scalability needs. For example, a bank might use a relational database model for transactional financial data due to its strong consistency, integrity constraints, and mature security features, while using a document model for customer interaction data that has a more variable structure. Related terms: Relational database, NoSQL, Document database, Graph database, Schema, Data normalization, Data modeling.

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