The main difference between schema and database is that schema is a logical definition of a database that defines the tables, columns and types of columns, while the database is a collection of related data stored in tables.
Database refers to a set of data. Most desktop, mobile and web applications connect to a specific database to store related data. On the other hand, Schema is a logical structure or a definition of a database which describes the tables, attributes and their types. Overall, a database is a set of physical files, denoting a physical structure.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Schema
-Definition, Functionality
2. What is Database
-Definition, Functionality
3. Difference Between Schema and Database
-Comparison of key differences
Key Terms
Database, DDL, Schema
What is Schema
Schema is a structural definition of an entire database. Schema diagram is a diagram that displays a database. It represents the tables and the connections between tables.
Furthermore, Data Definition Language (DDL) statements denote the schema of a database. The schema represents the name of the table, name of attributes, and their types and constraints of the tables are related to the schema. Therefore, if users want to modify the schema, they can write DDL statements.
What is Database
A database is a set of arranged data. It consists of data types, constraints on the way of storing data and database objects such as tables and indexes. As all data is in one particular database, it is easier to access the data. Generally, a database can store a large number of data records.
For example, a school database stores all the records of students, courses, teacher and exams. Moreover, a DBMS is a software program that helps to manage database efficiently, and RDBMS is an extended version of DBMS which is designed according to a relational model. Users can use GUI or write SQL queries to manipulate data in a database. Overall, a database is structured data that is stored in a computer system. In other words, it is a collection of physical files.
Difference Between Schema and Database
Definition
Schema is a visual representation of a database, a set of rules that govern a database or to the entire set of objects belonging to a particular user. But, a database is an organized collection of data stored and accessed electronically from a computer system.
Type
Schema is a logical structure while the database is a physical structure.
Consist of
A schema contains table names, attributes (fields) and their types and constraints. In other words, a database contains schema, data, database objects such as tables and indexes.
Statements
Furthermore, DDL commands helps to modify the schema structure while DML commands help to modify the data in the database.
Conclusion
In brief, a database is a collection of physical files. On the other hand, a schema is a logical structure of a database. The main difference between schema and database is that schema is a logical definition of a database that defines the tables, columns and types of columns while the database is a collection of related data stored in tables.
References:
1.“What Is a Database Schema.” Lucidchart, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1.”1895779″ via Pixabay
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