How Can We Improve Database Modeling for a Feedback System?

Proper Database Modeling for a Feedback System: An Alternative Perspective

Introduction
When designing a database for a user feedback system, it's crucial to consider the appropriate model to ensure data integrity and efficient querying. In this discussion, we'll explore an alternative approach to the database structure proposed in the original question and address the concerns raised.

Structural Concerns
The database model presented in the question employs a composite primary key in the "Participant" table, which combines the user and event IDs into a single field. However, this practice introduces unnecessary complexity and potential data integrity issues. Instead, a simple two-column primary key consisting of "user_id" and "event_id" would suffice. This allows for straightforward data retrieval and manipulation without the need for concatenated values.

Key Generation
Modern database systems provide mechanisms for automatically generating primary keys during record insertion. This feature eliminates the need to manually maintain complex composite keys, ensuring data consistency and integrity. It also simplifies application logic and reduces the risk of human error.

Enforcing Data Integrity
The proposed model relies on the DBMS to enforce data integrity through foreign key constraints. However, this approach becomes problematic when trying to restrict the number of feedbacks per participant to the number of other participants in the same event.

A Better Alternative
An alternative approach involves creating a separate "Feedback" table with a three-column primary key:

• "sender_id"
• "recipient_id"
• "event_id"

This design ensures that:

• Each participant can provide feedback only once for each recipient in the same event.
• It is not necessary to use concatenated keys or overly complex integrity constraints.
• Data access is straightforward and efficient.

Conclusion
While the original database structure may seem intricate, it introduces unnecessary complexity and potential data integrity issues. By employing simple primary keys, leveraging DBMS features for key generation, and implementing data integrity rules using foreign keys and constraints, an alternative model can provide a more robust and scalable solution for a user feedback system.

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