IDEF1X Notation

IDEF1X is a method for designing relational databases with a syntax that supports constructs in developing conceptual schema. Not everyone knows that this notation has an interesting history. Indeed, the need for semantic data models was first recognized by the U.S. Air Force in the mid-1970s. Let's take a closer look at the syntax. Read more

Chen Notation

Continuing our trip through different ERD notations, let's review the Chen ERD notation. Peter Chen, who developed entity-relationship modeling and published his work in 1976, was one of the pioneers of using the entity relationship concepts in software and information system modeling and design. The Chen ERD notation is still used and is considered... Read more

Barker’s Notation

When looking at different kinds of ERD notations, it is hard not to come across Barker's ERD notation, which is commonly used to describe data for Oracle. Richard Barker and his coworkers developed this ERD notation while working at the British consulting firm CACI around 1981, and when Barker joined Oracle, his notation was... Read more