What are some advanced techniques in SQL data modeling?

What are some advanced techniques in SQL data modeling?

Advanced SQL data modeling techniques include normalization, denormalization, star schema, snowflake schema, and using surrogate keys.

Can you explain normalization and why it's important?

Normalization is the process of organizing data to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity. It's important because it helps maintain consistency and efficiency in database operations.

What is a star schema and how does it differ from a snowflake schema?

A star schema is a type of database schema that consists of a central fact table connected to dimension tables. In contrast, a snowflake schema normalizes the dimension tables into multiple related tables, which can reduce redundancy but may complicate queries.

When should I use denormalization?

Denormalization is used when performance is a priority, especially in read-heavy databases. It can speed up query performance by reducing the number of joins needed.