Saving OneToOne IDs using Denormalization in API Platform: A Normalization vs Denormalization Approach (2024)

Abstract: In this article, we explore the concept of saving OneToOne IDs using denormalization in API Platform. We'll compare the use of proper normalization and denormalization techniques and discuss the reasons for choosing denormalization in certain scenarios.

2024-07-02 by On Exception

Saving One-to-One IDs using Denormalization: Normalization vs. Denormalization Approach

In this article, we will explore the concept of normalization and denormalization in the context of a one-to-one relationship between two entities, specifically focusing on how to save IDs without using a Processor class. The reason for this is to improve performance and simplify the code, which is often a concern for companies like CompanyLo.

Normalization

Normalization is a database design technique that aims to eliminate data redundancy and improve data integrity. It involves dividing a database into multiple tables, each containing atomic (indivisible) data. This allows for efficient storage and retrieval of data, as well as ensuring that data is consistent and accurate.

In a one-to-one relationship between two entities, normalization would typically involve creating two separate tables, each with its own primary key. For example, consider two entities, Customer and Address, which have a one-to-one relationship. In a normalized database design, we would create two tables:

Customer Table:- customer\_id (primary key)- name- emailAddress Table:- address\_id (primary key)- street- city- state- zip

The customer\_id column in the Address table would be a foreign key that references the primary key in the Customer table. This allows us to associate an address with a specific customer.

Denormalization

Denormalization is the process of adding redundant data to a database to improve performance or simplify the code. In the context of a one-to-one relationship, denormalization would involve combining the two tables into a single table, with the primary key of one table serving as a foreign key in the other table. For example:

Customer Table:- customer\_id (primary key)- name- email- street- city- state- zip

In this denormalized design, the customer\_id column serves as both the primary key for the Customer table and a foreign key for the Address table. This eliminates the need for a separate Address table and simplifies the code required to retrieve and update customer and address data.

Saving IDs without using a Processor Class

In some cases, it may be desirable to save the IDs of two entities in a one-to-one relationship without using a Processor class. One way to do this is to use denormalization and include the ID of one entity as a column in the other entity's table. For example:

Customer Table:- customer\_id (primary key)- name- email- address\_id (foreign key)Address Table:- address\_id (primary key)- street- city- state- zip

In this design, the customer\_id column in the Customer table is the primary key, while the address\_id column in the Customer table is a foreign key that references the primary key in the Address table. The address\_id column in the Customer table can be populated when a new customer is created, using a simple assignment statement:

$customer = new Customer();$customer->setName('John Doe');$customer->setEmail('[emailprotected]');$customer->setAddressId(123); // Set the address ID$entityManager->persist($customer);

This approach eliminates the need for a Processor class and simplifies the code required to save the IDs of the two entities. However, it does introduce some redundancy, as the address\_id column in the Customer table is redundant with the primary key in the Address table. This redundancy can be addressed by using a database trigger or other mechanism to ensure that the address\_id column in the Customer table is always equal to the primary key in the Address table.

• Normalization is a database design technique that eliminates data redundancy and improves data integrity.
• Denormalization is the process of adding redundant data to a database to improve performance or simplify the code.
• In a one-to-one relationship, denormalization can be used to combine two tables into a single table, with the primary key of one table serving as a foreign key in the other table.
• To save the IDs of two entities in a one-to-one relationship without using a Processor class, the ID of one entity can be included as a column in the other entity's table.
• This approach simplifies the code required to save the IDs of the two entities, but introduces some redundancy that can be addressed using a database trigger or other mechanism.

References

• Normalization (database)
• Denormalization
• Persisting Entities

Learn how to efficiently manage OneToOne relationships in your API Platform projects by saving IDs without using Processor classes. Discover the advantages of denormalization and its implications on your database design.

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