What are the key considerations when choosing between a Flattened and Hierarchical Data Model?
A well-structured data model impacts performance and scalability, and choosing between a Flattened or Hierarchical structure depends on the application’s needs.
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Flattened Structure:
- Improves readability and optimizes performance.
- Ideal for frequently queried data with minimal relationships.
- Best suited for small application flows with less reusability.
- Example: In a banking app, storing customer details in a flat structure speeds up account balance retrieval.
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Hierarchical Structure:
- Used for representing complex relationships with deep nesting.
- Useful for modular applications where objects have multiple dependent attributes.
- Can slow down data retrieval but provides better organization.
- Example: In a loan processing system, an applicant’s record may contain nested structures for co-applicants, guarantors, and documents.
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