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Chapter 28: Problem 5

Define these terms: Star Schema, Snowflake Schema, Fact Constellation, Data Marts.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Star Schema is the simplest form of a data warehouse schema with one or more fact tables at the center and dimension tables radiating from it. Snowflake Schema is a more complex model where some dimension tables are normalized, hence reducing storage and improving query efficiencies. Fact Constellation, or galaxy schema, has multiple fact tables sharing dimension tables, suitable for more complex business scenarios. Data Marts are subsets of a data warehouse, designed with a specific business line or team in mind, often to meet a specific need.

Step by step solution

01

Star Schema

A Star Schema is the simplest form of a data warehouse schema. It is called a star schema because the diagram of the schema resembles a star, with points radiating from a center. The center of the star consists of one or more fact tables and the points of the star are the dimension tables.
02

Snowflake Schema

A Snowflake Schema is a more complex data warehouse schema model, where some dimension tables are normalized. This results in the schema looking like a snowflake with more branches compared to the star schema. This schema reduces the amount of storage space required, and improves the efficiency of certain queries.
03

Fact Constellation

A Fact Constellation is a more complex schema design where multiple fact tables share dimension tables. It represents more complex business scenarios, as multiple facts can be analyzed with different granularity levels. Fact constellations are sometimes also referred to as galaxy schema.
04

Data Marts

A Data Mart is a subset of a data warehouse. It contains a snapshot of operational data that helps business people to strategize based on the analysis of past trends and experiences. The important point to remember about data marts is they are designed with a specific business line or team in mind and they meet a specific need.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

What is a data warehouse? How does it differ from a database?

Describe the steps of building a warehouse.

List the difficulties in implementing a data warehouse.

What is the multidimensional data model? How is it used in data warehousing?

What types of indexes are built for a warehouse? Illustrate the uses for each with an example.
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