Dictionary term
Database Schema
Also called schema · data model
Web/DevIntermediate
The defined structure of a database: its tables, columns, data types, keys and relationships. In PostgreSQL, "schema" also names a namespace that groups tables, such as public.
In plain English
The blueprint of a database: which tables exist, what each column holds, and how they connect.
Analogy
Like the column headings and rules of a form, decided before anyone fills it in.
Why it matters
A clear schema with constraints stops bad data at the door, and every API, automation and report depends on it staying predictable.
In practice
Your schema has a leads table with a unique email column and a foreign key to campaigns, so a duplicate form submission is rejected by the database.
Related terms
Sources
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