Difference Between Hierarchical, Network and Relational Data Model
Last Updated :
11 Sep, 2024
In order to define the connections, organization, and structure of data in a database management system (DBMS), data models are essential. The effectiveness of a database's ability to store, retrieve, and alter data is greatly influenced by the choice of data model. The Hierarchical, Network, and Relational models are some of the oldest types of data models; each has special traits and applications. It is crucial to comprehend how these models vary in order to choose the right one for a given set of circumstances.
What is a Hierarchical Data Model?
The hierarchical data model is the oldest type of the data model. It was developed by IBM in 1968. It organizes data in a tree-like structure. Hierarchical model consists of the following :
- It contains nodes which are connected by branches.
- The topmost node is called the root node.
- If there are multiple nodes appear at the top level, then these can be called root segments.
- Each node has exactly one parent.
- One parent may have many children.
In the above figure, Electronics is the root node which has two children i.e. Televisions and Portable Electronics. These two has further children for which they act as parent. For example: Television has children as Tube, LCD and Plasma, for these three Television act as parent. It follows one to many relationship.
Advantages of the Hierarchical Data Model
- Because of its tree form, it is easy to grasp.
- Retrieving data in a one-to-many connection is efficient.
Disadvantages of the Hierarchical Data Model
- Inflexibility in reorganizing data.
- accessing complicated data structures may be challenging.
- redundant data storage, which might cause anomalies and inconsistencies.
What is a Network Data Model?
It is the advance version of the hierarchical data model. To organize data it uses directed graphs instead of the tree-structure. In this child can have more than one parent. It uses the concept of the two data structures i.e. Records and Sets.
In the above figure, Project is the root node which has two children i.e. Project 1 and Project 2. Project 1 has 3 children and Project 2 has 2 children. Total there are 5 children i.e Department A, Department B and Department C, they are network related children as we said that this model can have more than one parent. So, for the Department B and Department C have two parents i.e. Project 1 and Project 2.
Advantages of the Network Data Model
- Because of its numerous parent ties, it is more adaptable than the hierarchical approach.
- Ideal for managing intricate, many-to-many connections.
Disadvantages of the Network Data Model
- Increased complexity in database design and management.
- requires complex programming in order to manage and work with data.
What is a Relational Data Model?
The relational data model was developed by E.F. Codd in 1970. There are no physical links as they are in the hierarchical data model. Following are the properties of the relational data model :
- Data is represented in the form of table only.
- It deals only with the data not with the physical structure.
- It provides information regarding metadata.
- At the intersection of row and column there will be only one value for the tuple.
- It provides a way to handle the queries with ease.
Advantages of the Relational Data Model
- High data independence and flexibility.
- offers robust and user-friendly querying features.
- removes duplication by use of normalization.
Disadvantages of the Relational Data Model
- For certain kinds of straightforward data retrieval tasks, they may not perform as well as hierarchical models.
- demands a deeper comprehension of SQL and normalization principles.
Difference Between Hierarchical, Network and Relational Data Model
| Hierarchical Data Model | Network Data Model | Relational Data Model |
|---|
| In this model, to store data hierarchy method is used. It is the oldest method and not in use today. | It organizes records to one another through links or pointers. | It organizes records in the form of table and relationship between tables are set using common fields. |
| To organize records, it uses tree structure. | It organizes records in the form of directed graphs. | It organizes records in the form of tables. |
| It implements 1:1 and 1:n relations. | In addition to 1:1 and 1:n it also implements many to many relationships. | In addition to 1:1 and 1:n it also implements many to many relationships. |
| Pointers are used to establish relationships among records physically. | A linked list is used to establish a relationship among records physically. | The logical representation is used with rows and columns to depict relationship among records. |
| Insertion anomaly exits in this model i.e. child node cannot be inserted without the parent node. | There is no insertion anomaly. | There is no insertion anomaly. |
| Deletion anomaly exists in this model i.e. it is difficult to delete the parent node. | There is no deletion anomaly. | There is no deletion anomaly. |
| Update leads to inconsistency problems because of the existence of multiple instances of a child record. | No such problem as only one instance of records exist. | Updating a record is easy and simple with the process of normalization, the redundant data gets removed. |
| This model lacks data independence. | There is partial data independence in this model. | This model provides data independence. |
| No such facility for querying database is supported. | No such facility for querying database is supported. | SQL-based declarative querying is supported. |
| It is used to access the data which is complex and asymmetric. | It is used to access the data which is complex and symmetric. | It is used to access the data which is complex and symmetric. |
| Difficult to design a database because of its complexity. | Difficult to design a database and manipulate a database because of its complexity. Hence, it imposes a burden on the programmer. | It is easy to comprehend due to concealed physical level details from end-users. |
| It is less flexible. | It is flexible as compared to the hierarchical model. | It is flexible as compared to the hierarchical model. |
| &XML and XAML use this model. | VAX-DBMS, DMS-1100 of UNIVAC and SUPRADBMS's use this model. | It is mostly used in real world applications. Oracle, SQL. |
Conclusion
Depending on the particular demands of the application, such as data complexity, connections, and querying requirements, one may choose between hierarchical, network, and relational data models. Network models, which have many parent connections, provide more versatility than hierarchical models, which are restricted to basic tree structures. Relational models are most often used in real-world applications because they provide the most flexibility and querying capabilities.
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