Entities and Attributes in Databases for Messaging Platforms
Entities in a messaging platform database represent various aspects of user management, message storage, contact lists, and real-time updates, while attributes describe their characteristics.
1. User Table
- UserID (Primary Key): It is a Unique identifier for each user.
- PhoneNumber: User’s phone number used for registration.
- Username: User’s display name.
- ProfilePicture: It is a URL or reference to the user’s profile picture.
- Status: User’s status message.
- LastSeen: Timestamp of the user’s last activity.
2. Contact Table
- ContactID (Primary Key): Unique identifier for each contact entry.
- UserID: Identifier for the user who has the contact.
- ContactUserID: Identifier for the contact user.
- Nickname: Optional nickname for the contact.
- Blocked: Boolean indicating if the contact is blocked.
3. Message Table
- MessageID (Primary Key): Unique identifier for each message.
- SenderID: Identifier for the user who sent the message.
- ReceiverID: Identifier for the user who received the message.
- Content: The text content of the message.
- MediaURL: URL or reference to any media attached to the message.
- Timestamp: It is a Date and time when the message was sent.
- Status: Status of the message (e.g., sent, delivered, read).
4. Group Table
- GroupID (Primary Key): Unique identifier for each group.
- GroupName: Name of the group.
- GroupPicture: URL or reference to the group’s profile picture.
- AdminID: Identifier for the user who is the group admin.
- CreationDate: Date when the group was created.
5. GroupMember Table
- GroupMemberID (Primary Key): Unique identifier for each group member entry.
- GroupID: Identifier for the associated group.
- UserID: Identifier for the user who is a member of the group.
- JoinDate: The date when the user joined the group.
- Role: Role of the user in the group (e.g., member, admin).
How to Design a Database for Whatsapp
Database design is important for messaging platforms like WhatsApp and enables efficient management of user accounts, contacts, messages, and media files. A well-structured database supports easy communication, real-time message delivery, and enhanced user privacy and security.
In this article, we will learn about How Database Design Essentials for WhatsApp by understanding various aspects of the article in detail.