What does an entity-relationship diagram (ERD) represent?

An entity-relationship diagram (ERD) is a visual representation that illustrates the relationships between data entities within a system. It focuses specifically on how different data elements relate to one another, which is critical for understanding the data structure that supports the overall system. ERDs typically include entities, attributes of those entities, and the relationships between them, portraying the organization of data in a database and helping developers and analysts to design and refine data models effectively.

This capability to show the connections and dependencies among various entities is essential in database design and systems analysis, as it aids in comprehending how data flows through a system and its interactions with other components. By mapping out these relationships, ERDs serve as a blueprint for the development of databases, ensuring that data integrity and efficient access are maintained.