Difference between Specialization and Aggregation

Parameter

Specialization

Aggregation

Definition

Specialization defines as creating sub-entities with additional attributes or characteristics based on the parent or high-level entity.

Aggregation defines as combining 2 more entities to form a new entity.

Relationship

Created Sub-Entities are the type of Higher-Level Entity.

Entities are independent and also have a relationship with the aggregated entity.

Data Modelling

Data can be modeled using an “is-a” relationship.

Data can be modeled using a “has-a” relationship.

Inheritance

Created Sub-Entities inherit from a parent higher-level entity.

Aggregated Entities do not possess any inheritance.

Structure

Specialization structures a hierarchy of entities.

Aggregation does not impose any hierarchical structure.

Reusability Specialized Entities can be reused in different scenarios. Aggregated entities are designed for specific cases, so may not be reusable in other scenarios.
Complexity Specialization has more complexity than Aggregation. The aggregation has less complexity as compared to Specialization.

Difference Between Specialization and Aggregation in DBMS

Specialization and Aggregation in Database Management Systems are the Enhanced Entity Relationship Diagrams also known as (EER-Diagram). Specialization and Aggregation in ER model are used for data abstraction in which an abstraction mechanism is used to hide details of a set of objects.

Similar Reads

What is Specialization?

Specialization in DBMS is the concept where the major entity is further represented by dividing it into its sub-entities. High-Level Entity is specialized into two or more two level-level entities. The parameter taken into consideration while dividing the High-Level Entity is the characteristics, according to the characteristics the dividing process into sub-entities is done. The concept of Inheritance in OOP can be related to this Specialization in DBMS, the main focus is the same to divide the Parent Entity into Child or Base entities....

What is Aggregation?

Aggregation in DBMS is the concept where the relation between 2 different entities is considered as a single entity. In Aggregation, a relationship with its adjacent entities is aggregated into a parent or high-level entity. In simpler terms, we can say that Aggregation is used to define relationships among relationships. It shows a ‘has-a’ or ‘is-part-of’ kind of relationship where one represents the whole and the other as part....

Difference between Specialization and Aggregation

Parameter Specialization Aggregation Definition Specialization defines as creating sub-entities with additional attributes or characteristics based on the parent or high-level entity. Aggregation defines as combining 2 more entities to form a new entity. Relationship Created Sub-Entities are the type of Higher-Level Entity. Entities are independent and also have a relationship with the aggregated entity. Data Modelling Data can be modeled using an “is-a” relationship. Data can be modeled using a “has-a” relationship. Inheritance Created Sub-Entities inherit from a parent higher-level entity. Aggregated Entities do not possess any inheritance. Structure Specialization structures a hierarchy of entities. Aggregation does not impose any hierarchical structure. Reusability Specialized Entities can be reused in different scenarios. Aggregated entities are designed for specific cases, so may not be reusable in other scenarios. Complexity Specialization has more complexity than Aggregation. The aggregation has less complexity as compared to Specialization....

FAQs on Specialization and Aggregation

Q1: What is the use of specialization in DBMS?...