What does a schema encapsulate in database design?

A schema encapsulates the layout and structure of database elements, defining how data is organized and how relationships between data are managed. It serves as a blueprint for the database, outlining tables, fields, data types, constraints, and relationships such as primary keys and foreign keys. This structure is crucial for ensuring data integrity and for enabling efficient data retrieval and manipulation.

A schema does not concern itself with procedures for data entry, security protocols for data access, or specific applications of the database. While those elements are essential for the overall functioning of a database system, they fall outside the schema's definition. The schema's focus is strictly on the organization and relationships of data components within the database.