schema

A description of how a database’s tables and columns are arranged and what information they can hold.

• The schema defines the database tables.
• We changed the schema to add an address field.
• Each database has its own schema.

Common phrases: database schema, schema design, schema change

A set of rules describing how data or a data file must be organized.

• The schema lists the required fields.
• This file does not match the schema.
• We use an XML schema to check incoming documents.

Common phrases: xml schema, schema validation, data schema

A basic mental picture or framework that helps you organize and understand things.

• Children develop a schema for familiar routines.
• New experiences can change an existing schema.
• The body schema helps us judge where our limbs are.

Similar words: framework, mental model

Common phrases: body schema, mental schema, existing schema

A formula template that produces different logical statements when its variables are replaced.

• This axiom schema represents many separate axioms.
• Replace the variable to obtain an instance of the schema.
• The proof uses a familiar logical schema.

Similar words: scheme

Common phrases: axiom schema, schema instance, logical schema