Extended ER (EER) Features
Extended ER (EER) features enhance the basic ER model by adding
advanced concepts like specialization, generalization, inheritance,
and aggregation to model complex real-world scenarios.
1. What is Extended ER Model?
The Extended ER (EER) Model is an extension of the ER model that includes additional constructs to represent more complex relationships and data constraints.
- Supports inheritance
- Represents hierarchy
- Models real-world complexity
2. Generalization
Generalization is a bottom-up approach where multiple lower-level entities are combined into a higher-level entity based on common attributes.
Car Bike
\ /
\ /
[ VEHICLE ]
|
Reg_No, Color
- Bottom-up approach
- Reduces redundancy
3. Specialization
Specialization is a top-down approach where a higher-level entity is divided into specialized lower-level entities.
[ EMPLOYEE ]
|
-------------------
| |
[ TEACHER ] [ CLERK ]
- Top-down approach
- Improves clarity
4. Inheritance
Inheritance allows sub-entities to inherit attributes of the super-entity.
[ EMPLOYEE ]
|-- Emp_ID
|-- Name
|
[ MANAGER ]
|
Department
- Avoids repetition
- Ensures consistency
5. Aggregation
Aggregation is used when a relationship between entities needs to be treated as a higher-level entity.
[ STUDENT ] --- Enrolls --- [ COURSE ]
\_______________________/
|
[ RESULT ]
- Represents relationship as entity
- Used in complex designs
6. Difference between Generalization and Specialization
Generalization Specialization ------------------------- ------------------------- Bottom-up approach Top-down approach Combines entities Divides entity Reduces redundancy Adds specific details
7. Advantages of Extended ER Model
- Models complex data
- Supports inheritance
- Improves database clarity
- Reduces redundancy
Practice Questions
- What is Extended ER model?
- Explain generalization with diagram.
- Explain specialization with diagram.
- What is aggregation?
- Differentiate between generalization and specialization.
Practice Task
Draw EER diagrams for:
✔ Vehicle classification system
✔ Employee specialization system
✔ Student–Course–Result system