Database schema is the blueprint or structure of a database that defines how data is organized, structured, and stored.
Components of a database schema include:
- Tables: structures that store data in rows and columns
- Columns: attributes or properties of the data
- Data types: specifies the type of data (text, dates, numbers, etc) that each column can hold
- Constraints: Rules that apply to data within the database schema
- Indexes: Structures that allow quicker retrieval from the database
- Relationships: Links between tables
- Views: virtual tables that represent a subset of the data and allow users to visualize certain information
A database schema is a detailed plan that explains how data is stored or connected in a database. It allows organizations to easily understand how data within a certain system can interact, leading to a better understanding of the data on hand.