Database Schema Architect

Overview

This skill provides comprehensive guidance for database schema design, from initial planning through production deployment and ongoing maintenance. It covers both relational (SQL) and NoSQL databases with focus on scalability, performance, security, and compliance.

Core Design Principles

1. Start with Requirements Analysis

Before designing any schema:

• Identify primary use cases and query patterns
• Determine read/write ratio (OLTP vs OLAP)
• Establish data volume projections (current and 2-5 year growth)
• Define compliance requirements (GDPR, HIPAA, SOC2, etc.)
• List critical performance requirements (response times, throughput)

2. Naming Conventions (Critical for Maintainability)