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Entity relationship diagram (ERD)
Diagram Check
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Definition
Shows the tables (entities) in a database, their attributes and the relationships between them (one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-many) using primary and foreign keys.
Example: Customer 1 to many Order.
Check this one: Your school's drawing-questions page says the ERD is technically NOT in the syllabus (practice only); the course specification has no ERD symbols. Learn it as a low priority.
Found in: school notes.
Where you'll use it in the test
Syllabus area: Diagrams and tools.
Question types it can appear in
- Drawing: Draw an ERD
- Short answer: Define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
- Multiple choice: Pick the option that matches the definition or example.
How to use it
A model sentence
Diagram: “Shows the tables (entities) in a database, their attributes and the relationships between them (one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-many) using primary and foreign keys.” Then apply it: Customer 1 to many Order.
In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.
Command words used with it
No linked question shows the command word for this term. Across the past drawing and short answer questions in this bank the words used most are: Explain, Outline, Describe, Compare, Classify, Analyse. Check the actual word in your question.
Go deeper
- Flashcard: Entity relationship diagram (ERD) in Diagrams and Modelling Tools (Years 11 and 12) · study that set
- Memorise: Drawing rules: DFD, structure chart, storyboard, decision tree, class diagram, ERD
- Notes: Modelling tools: DFD, structure charts, storyboards, flowcharts, class diagrams (The Software Engineering Project (Year 12))
- Notes: Drawing rules: DFD, structure chart, storyboard, decision tree, class diagram, ERD (Pseudocode, flowcharts and diagram rules)
- Notes: SQL: HSC syntax and must-know queries (Python and SQL you must be able to write)
- Master answer: skel-draw | Technique: drawing questions (DFD, flowchart, structure chart, class… (Master model answers: how to use)
- Full term page: every question, note and marking comment for Entity relationship diagram (ERD)
Check yourself
Describe or sketch “Entity relationship diagram (ERD)”: what it shows, its parts and when you would use it.
Reveal the answer
Shows the tables (entities) in a database, their attributes and the relationships between them (one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-many) using primary and foreign keys.
Example: Customer 1 to many Order.
Could be tested as: Drawing, Short answer, Multiple choice.