Can you explain what is meant by a database schema and what role it plays?

A database schema is a structure that describes the organization of data in a database. It defines tables, fields (columns), data types, relationships between tables, constraints, and indexes. The schema serves as a 'framework' for storing and managing data, ensuring integrity and ease of access.

For example, in a relational database, a schema might describe a users table with fields such as id, name, email, and a relationship with an orders table. Without a schema, the database does not know how to interpret and store data.