What is Snowflake Schema?
A variation of the star schema where dimension tables are further normalised into sub-dimensions.
Why It Matters
Snowflake schemas reduce data redundancy in the warehouse, though queries may be slightly more complex.
Real-World Example
A product dimension split into separate tables for product, category, and brand, each linking to the next.
“Understanding terms like Snowflake Schema matters because it helps you have better conversations with developers and make smarter decisions about your software. You do not need to be technical. You just need to know enough to ask the right questions.”
Related Terms
Star Schema
A data warehouse design pattern with a central fact table connected to dimension tables, resembling a star shape.
Data Warehouse
A large database optimised for storing and analysing historical data from multiple sources.
Normalisation
Organising a database to reduce redundancy by splitting data into related tables.
Data Modelling
The process of designing how data will be structured, stored, and related in a database.
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Related Terms
Normalisation
Organising a database to reduce redundancy by splitting data into related tables.
Data Warehouse
A large database optimised for storing and analysing historical data from multiple sources.
Data Modelling
The process of designing how data will be structured, stored, and related in a database.
Star Schema
A data warehouse design pattern with a central fact table connected to dimension tables, resembling a star shape.
Database
An organised collection of data that your application can store, retrieve, and update
SQL
A language for communicating with databases, used to create, read, update, and delete data