Network Data Model

Introduction

A network data model represents data as a network of records and relationships.

Components

• Records: Individual units of data, similar to rows in a table.
• Sets: Relationships between records, represented as links or pointers.
• Owner-Member Relationships: One record can be the owner of multiple records, and a record can be a member of multiple sets.

Characteristics

• Complex Relationships: Network data models can represent complex relationships between data entities.
• Many-to-Many Relationships: Network data models can handle many-to-many relationships directly.
• Navigation: Data access is based on navigation through the network of records and relationships.

Benefits

• Flexible Data Modeling: Network data models can represent complex data relationships and hierarchies.
• Efficient Data Retrieval: Network data models can provide efficient data retrieval and navigation.

Limitations

• Complexity: Network data models can be complex to design and manage.
• Lack of Data Independence: Changes to the data structure can affect applications that use the data.

Examples

• CODASYL (Conference on Data Systems Languages): A network database model developed in the 1960s.
• IDMS (Integrated Database Management System): A commercial network database management system.