subrecords

Subrecords are discrete data units that form part of a larger parent record. Each subrecord contains information related to the parent, but can be treated and validated as an individual component. The parent record and its subrecords together represent a complete data entity, while subrecords provide modularity and granularity for storage, access, and processing.

In data modeling, subrecords appear in hierarchical or document-based structures. In relational databases they are commonly implemented as child tables linked by foreign keys; in NoSQL and document stores they may be embedded documents or arrays. Subrecords enable complex attributes to be stored in a structured way and support partial updates or retrievals of only relevant parts.

In archives and records management, a file or dossier may consist of multiple subrecords, such as correspondence, contracts, or reports, each with its own lifecycle and retention requirements. Subrecords can carry independent metadata, access controls, and audit trails while still contributing to the integrity of the overall record.

Management considerations include ensuring data integrity and referential consistency between a parent and its subrecords, handling cascading operations when records are updated or deleted, and addressing performance implications for queries that span multiple subrecords. Proper indexing, versioning, and permissions are commonly used to maintain accurate and secure access to subrecords.

Examples of subrecords include a customer record with subrecords for contact information, order history, and service engagements; or a patient record with subrecords for medications, allergies, and visit notes. The terminology and implementation of subrecords can vary by domain and data model.