What is the main difference between a schema and a data model?

A data model provides a conceptual framework for understanding how data elements relate to one another, often defining the types of data and the relationships between them. It helps in outlining what data is needed and how it is structured, serving as a blueprint for creating a database.

On the other hand, a schema is more about the actual implementation of that data model within a specific database or system. It specifies the organization of data, including tables, fields, and the relationships among those tables in a tangible format.

Therefore, stating that a data model describes relationships while a schema describes fields accurately captures the distinction between the two concepts. The data model’s focus on the relationships provides the theoretical structure, while the schema translates that theory into a structured format used in practice, ensuring the database functions as intended. This gives clarity on how data is organized and accessed at a technical level.