What is the ER model? The ER model is a high-level conceptual data model used to describe the structure of a database in terms of entities (things of interest), attributes (properties of those things), and relationships (how those things are associated). It helps designers capture data requirements visually before implementation. Core concepts 1. Entity An entity is a real-world object or concept that is distinguishable and relevant to the system (e.g., Student , Course , Employee ). Represented as a rectangle in diagrams. Entity types : the class (e.g., Student ). Entity instances (tuples/records) are members of that class (e.g., a specific student). 2. Attribute A property of an entity (or relationship) — e.g., Student has StudentID , Name , DOB . Types: Simple (atomic) : cannot be divided (e.g., Age ). Composite : composed of sub-parts (e.g., Address → Street , City , Zip ). Derived : computed from other attributes (e.g., Age from DOB ). ...