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Data Structure

When working on data structure, you think about how to best store and organize your data. You choose between different types of databases, decide which tables and relationships you need, and make sure you can query and update your data efficiently. It’s about making smart choices so your application works quickly and reliably.

Describe how you designed the data structure and how you implemented it in a document.

Databases

Within the HBO-ICT program, we mainly work with relational databases based on the SQL language. With a tool like MySQL Workbench, you can design and build a database.

Quality indicators

When assessing this product, the following quality indicators will be considered:

  • The data structure document is self-contained: it starts with an introduction/context and then describes the different parts of the data structure.
  • There is a Context & Requirements section that describes the context of the data structure and which requirements are important when choosing it.
  • The needs of the end user and what they want to be able to do with the data structure are taken into account.
  • Performance, scalability, and maintainability of the data structure are considered.
  • There is a clear description of the data structure, detailing all tables, columns, and relationships.
  • There is an Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) or another visual overview that shows the data structure—preferably a MySQL Workbench ERD.
  • There is an implementation section that describes how the data structure is implemented in the project, with code snippets and references to the code in GitLab.
  • There is a list of sources used to design and implement the data structure.

Template

To create your own data structure, you can use the following template:

# Data Structure

In this section, describe in a few sentences what the data structure is and which problem it solves. This is the main text of your document.

## Context & Requirements

Here you describe the context of the data structure and which requirements are important when choosing the data structure.
Pay special attention to the end user and what they want to be able to do with the data structure.
Take into account the performance, scalability, and maintainability of the data structure.

## Data Structure

Here you describe the data structure you designed and which choices you made for it.
Think of tables, columns, relationships, and add an Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) or another visual overview.

## Implementation

Here you describe how you implemented the data structure in your project, for example by using code snippets to describe the implementation.
Add references to the code in GitLab and use code snippets to describe the implementation.

## Sources

List here the sources you used to design and implement the data structure. Think of YouTube videos, websites, books, and so on.
Also include sources that helped you write the code.