# Model Data

## What is a Model ?

A model is a [dataset](https://docs.whaly.io/data-management/workbench/understanding-datasets) that has been generated by a user. It can either be a SQL Model or a Flow Model depending on your capabilities to write SQL queries.

In order to better understand the differences between the two types of models, please refer to:

{% content-ref url="model-data/sql-models" %}
[sql-models](https://docs.whaly.io/data-management/workbench/model-data/sql-models)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="model-data/flow-models" %}
[flow-models](https://docs.whaly.io/data-management/workbench/model-data/flow-models)
{% endcontent-ref %}

Please note that a model can reference another model, therefore you can build foundational models that