What is a data model?

A data model is a conceptual framework that defines how data is structured, organized, and related within a database or information system. It includes:

1. **Data Structure:** Defines the organization of data, including tables, fields, and relationships between entities.

2. **Data Relationships:** Describes how different data elements interact and relate to each other, such as parent-child relationships or one-to-many associations.

3. **Constraints and Rules:** Specifies rules for data integrity, validation, and consistency, such as data types, constraints, and business rules.

4. **Data Operations:** Outlines the operations that can be performed on the data, such as querying, updating, and deleting.

Data models help in designing databases, ensuring data integrity, and facilitating efficient data management and retrieval. They are essential for creating a structured and logical representation of the data within a system.