Does the model obtained by reverse engineering an existing database (from DDL and catalog introspection) directly yield a fully normalized, platform-agnostic logical data model?
-
AIncorrect
-
BCorrect
-
CCorrect only if the source was BCNF
-
DCorrect only for ORM-generated schemas
Answer
Correct Answer: Incorrect
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Reverse engineering extracts a structural view of an existing database. However, physical artifacts (surrogate keys, indexes, denormalizations, naming quirks) mean the result is typically a physical/conceptual hybrid, not a pure logical model aligned to business semantics.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- DDL reveals tables, columns, constraints, and sometimes comments.
- Physical design choices reflect performance or legacy constraints.
- Logical models abstract from platform specifics and emphasize semantics.
Concept / Approach:The reverse-engineered output is a starting point. Analysts must remove purely physical concerns, consolidate synonyms, resolve overloaded columns, and reintroduce missing entities and relationships discovered via requirements analysis.
Step-by-Step Solution:Extract schema objects and constraints.Map tables to entities and identify true business keys.Eliminate denormalizations; model many-to-many with association entities.Standardize names and data domains.Validate with stakeholders to align with business language.
Verification / Alternative check:Walk through user stories with both models; mismatches highlight where the reverse-engineered schema diverges from business semantics.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:Even BCNF sources may include platform-specific artifacts. ORM-generated schemas can still include compromises that are not logical-model constructs.
Common Pitfalls:Accepting the physical schema as “the” logical truth; failing to capture business rules not enforced in DDL.
Final Answer:Incorrect