What distinguishes a Data Model from a Database Schema?

The distinction between a Data Model and a Database Schema is fundamentally about the level of abstraction and purpose in the context of database design. A Data Model serves as a high-level framework that outlines the overall structure, relationships, and constraints of data, allowing stakeholders to understand how different elements of the data interact with one another without delving into technical details. It captures the essential business requirements and serves as a guiding blueprint for the design of databases.

Conversely, a Database Schema is more concrete and represents the actual implementation of this design within a specific database management system. It includes detailed definitions of tables, fields, data types, relationships, and constraints that dictate how data is stored, organized, and accessed in a database. The schema is the physical manifestation of the concepts defined in the data model.

This clear differentiation helps clarify the roles each plays in the overall process of database management: the Data Model conceptualizes and guides, while the Database Schema implements and enforces.