The word "external schema" is spelled as /ɪkˈstɜː.nəl ˈskiːmə/. The first syllable, "ex-" is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a "ks" consonant blend. The second syllable, "-ter-" is pronounced with a "ur" vowel sound followed by a "t" consonant sound. The third syllable, "-nal" is pronounced with a "n" consonant sound followed by a long "a" vowel sound. The last syllable, "-ma" is pronounced with a long "e" sound followed by a "m" consonant sound. This refers to a database's external structure that defines how data is accessed or shared among applications.
External schema is a concept used in the field of database management systems (DBMS) to describe the user's perspective of the data stored in a database. It refers to the way in which the information is organized and presented to the individuals who interact with the database system. An external schema defines the logical view of the database for a specific user or group of users.
The external schema serves as a customized interface between the underlying physical storage structure of the database and the end-users' requirements. It allows users to have a simplified and tailored view of the data, hiding the complexities of the underlying database structure. The schema can be designed to meet the specific needs and preferences of different users, providing them with a clear, organized, and comprehensible representation of the data.
External schemas are developed based on the logical data model and typically include definitions of tables, views, relationships, and access privileges. They define the format in which the data is presented, as well as the allowable operations that can be performed on the data. By defining a user-specific external schema, DBMS enables multiple users to have concurrent access to the same database while providing them with personalized views.
Overall, the external schema plays a vital role in ensuring efficient and user-friendly database interaction. It encapsulates the user's requirements, simplifying the complexity of the database structure, and providing a clear and organized representation of the stored data.
The word "external" originates from the Latin word "externus", which means "outside" or "outward". It is derived from the prefix "ex-" meaning "out of" and "ternae" meaning "the outside world".
The word "schema" has its roots in the Greek word "σχῆμα" (skhēma), meaning "form" or "figure". This term refers to an outline or a plan.
When combined, "external schema" refers to an outline, structure, or representation of information that is located outside of a primary or internal system. It is used to describe a way of organizing and understanding data that is separate from the core system.