Entity-Attribute-Value
lastmod 2026-11-10created 2026-06-132 edits
The Entity-Attribute-Value (EAV) model is a relational database design approach that stores data in a vertical table with one column each for the entity ID, attribute name, and value. It can handle cases where attributes vary greatly between entities or are added frequently without schema changes, but queries require many joins or pivots, and type constraints and integrity checks become difficult. It often appears in storing medical records or product attributes.