Data Modeler: overview
What is the Data Modeler and how can it be used?
The Data Modeler is a development tool from the ABAP/4 Development Workbench, which you can use to create data models according to the SAP SERM method (SERM = Structured Entity Relationship Model). In addition to supporting modeling functions, the Data Modeler allows you to map the models you have created to the ABAP/4 Dictionary.
Owing to the close integration of the Data Modeler with the ABAP/4 Dictionary, both top-down and bottom-up modeling approaches are possible.
The basic objects of the Data Modeler are data models and entity types, and the relationships and specializations existing between the entity types.
The problem to be modeled - generally a small section of the real or abstract world - is mapped to a data model.
The individual (physical or abstract) objects of the section to be modeled are represented by entity types that are connected by relationships.
A data model of a university is to be created. It could be given the name Unimodell, for example. To begin with, we will consider just a small part of the model, the professors and students at the university. We define two entity types Professors and Students and a relationship between the two entity types, which we will label Teaches.
In the Data Modeler you can create data models with any number of hierarchy levels and in the process reuse parts of data models. The data model components can be expanded or compressed in a hierarchy list and in the graphics display, thus facilitating work with large data models.
Modeling involves use of a graphical editor, which allows you to design data models as if you were using a drawing board.
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