Data Modelling x One Big Table (OBT): The end of Data Models?

One Big Table (OBT) is a concept that has gained popularity in recent years. The idea behind OBT is to store all data in a single, massive table, as opposed to the more traditional approach of splitting data into multiple tables based on entities, relationships, or categories. This approach has its own set of pros and cons, making it a topic of interest for data engineers and architects.
In this article, I want to introduce a little the concept of OBT, its advantages and disadvantages, and when it might be the right choice for your data platform.

Pros of One Big Table (OBT):

1. Simplified Data Model:

One of the primary advantages of OBT is the simplicity it brings to data modeling. In a conventional relational database, you’d need to create and manage numerous tables with intricate relationships. In an OBT, all your data resides in a single table, which simplifies schema design and reduces the need for complex joins. This can be a game-changer for organizations dealing with large and diverse datasets.

2. Improved Query Performance:

OBT can enhance query performance in many scenarios. With fewer tables and joins, queries can execute faster. Moreover, modern…