Forum OpenACS Q&A: boring data model book suggestions?

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1: boring data model book suggestions?
Posted by good bye on 09/18/01 02:27 PM
Does anyone have recommendations on books which
describe how to build data models for boring, yet
essential real-world applications? For instance:

- class scheduling systems

- medical informatics systems

- inventory and billing systems

Most data modeling books I have seen are obtuse
things about 3rd normal form and ER diagrams...
I'm not really interested in that. I'm looking for
more of a "here is a basic data model for a shipping company"
type book, if anything like that exists. A learn by example
type book.

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2: Response to boring data model book suggestions? (response to 1)
Posted by John Sequeira on 09/18/01 08:37 PM
"Data Model Patterns" by David C Hay is probably what you want.

It doesn't cover class scheduling,  but you can always look at the OpenACS source code for that.

Also,  "Object Models: Stategies, Patterns and Applications" has some interesting case studies.  It's no directly applicable to relational databases - more about the middle tier (OO layer),  but still worth a look.

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3: Response to boring data model book suggestions? (response to 1)
Posted by Fred Yankowski on 09/19/01 03:36 PM
I recommend "Analysis Patterns" by Martin Fowler (1997).  It's more general than what you asked for, but the patterns could form a strong foundation for particular vertical applications such as your shipping company example.  The book presents object models, not relational database models.