An Extension to ER Model for Top-Down Semantic Modeling of Databases of Applications.

An extension to ER (Entity Relationship) model for semantic modeling of databases in top down manner is presented. The model proposes a new entity type called composite entity type and a table based meta construct called tabletype relationship. A composite entity type models composite entities, whereas a tabletype relationship is shorthand and represents a number of relationship types. The concept of composite entity type is abstract, helps in semantic modeling, and is not required in implementation. A composite entity type along with tabletype relationship captures semantics of the database of an application at a higher level of abstraction and provides a top down semantic modeling approach in flavor of ER model. Keywords: Semantic model, ER model, Top down model, Database design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]