Dimensional Modeling

.   A Dimensional modeling is an approach to design the star schema databases.

§  A Dimensional modeling approach consists of 3 phases. Conceptual Modeling, Logical Modeling and Physical Modeling.

§  A Data modeler needs to understand the following process in steps to implement the star schema design.

                    I.   A data modeler needs to understand the business requirements clearly.

                  II.   Identifying the Grains (The lowest level name in a table), Entities (Tables) and Attributes (Columns).

                III. Once the grains are identified, design the dimension tables with the lower level grains.

                IV. Once the dimensions are designed, design the fact tables with the key performance indicators.

                 V. Once the dimension and fact tables are designed, establish the relations between Dimensions    

                      and Facts using Primary key and Foreign key.

                VI. Move the logical schema structure to the physical database.

     Conceptual Modeling: 1^st and 2^nd points.

     Logical Modeling: 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th points.

    Physical Modeling: 6^th point.

2.       Software Development Life Cycle: (SDLC)

1.