Hierarchical database model facts for kids
A hierarchical database model is a way to organize information in a computer database. Think of it like a family tree or an upside-down tree. In this model, data is arranged in a structure where each piece of information is connected to others in a parent-child relationship.
This means that one "parent" piece of data can have many "children" connected to it. However, each "child" piece of data can only have one "parent." This setup helps to keep related information together in a clear, organized way.
What is a Hierarchical Database?
In a hierarchical database, all the details about a specific item are grouped together under a main type, which is called an entity type. You can imagine an entity type as being like a table in a spreadsheet. Each individual record, or a single set of information, is like a row in that table. The specific details about that record, like a name or a date, are called attributes, and they are like the columns in the table.
How Data is Connected
The different entity types (or "tables") in a hierarchical database are linked together using a special kind of connection. This connection is called a "one-to-many" relationship. It means that one parent record can be linked to many child records, but each child record is only linked to one parent. This is why it looks like a tree, with branches spreading out from a single trunk.
For example, imagine a database for a school. A "Class" could be a parent, and many "Students" could be its children. Each student belongs to only one class. But a "Teacher" could also be a parent, and they might teach many "Classes." This structure helps the database know exactly how different pieces of information are related.
Real-World Examples
Two well-known examples of hierarchical databases are:
- IMS: This was created by IBM (a big computer company). It's one of the oldest and most famous hierarchical databases, used for many years in large businesses.
- Windows Registry: This is a part of the Microsoft Windows operating system. It stores important settings and options for your computer and the programs you use, all organized in a hierarchical way.
Hierarchical databases are good for situations where data naturally fits into a tree-like structure, making it easy to find information by following the parent-child links.
In Spanish: Base de datos jerárquica para niños
