Description: The physical schema in data management refers to the actual structure of data storage in a database, including tables and relationships. This schema defines how data is organized in the underlying file system, allowing query services to perform SQL queries on it. Unlike a logical schema, which focuses on the conceptual representation of data, the physical schema deals with the concrete implementation. The physical schema is crucial for optimizing query performance, as data can be organized in various formats such as CSV, JSON, Parquet, or ORC, and it determines how these formats are interpreted. Additionally, the physical schema includes details about partitions and compression, which can influence the efficiency of queries and the cost associated with data processing. In summary, the physical schema is fundamental for efficient data management, as it establishes the foundations upon which queries are made and valuable information is extracted from large volumes of data stored in the system.
