Information schema

As explained in Effective Data Analysis

An information schema is a set of database metadata views describing objects such as schemas, tables, columns, and their properties.

An information schema is a queryable collection of database metadata describing available schemas, tables, columns, and their properties. section 11.3.3

Analysts can inspect information schemas to understand available warehouse data, while teams can use them as the structural starting point for clearer documentation. section 11.3.3

An information schema can expose:

• Available schemas and tables. section 11.3.3
• Columns and properties such as data types and row counts. section 11.3.3
• Primary-key and foreign-key references. section 11.3.3

Its raw metadata is useful for analysts but may be difficult for less experienced stakeholders to use directly. Adding purpose and usage descriptions turns it into human-readable documentation and can support a searchable data catalog. section 11.3.3

Figure 11.17 Information schemas contain metadata about the information in a data warehouse.

Use the figure to inspect how information schemas represent warehouse metadata. section 11.3.3

How Effective Data Analysis covers it

How deep it goes

Explains queryable metadata records and their fields, but stops short of detailing query syntax or implementation differences.

Examples

Uses schemas, tables, columns, data types, row counts, and primary- or foreign-key references as metadata examples.

What it assumes

Assumes access to a data warehouse and teaches metadata as information about data structure and contents.

What you can do after

Evaluate/understand available warehouse data and use its metadata to begin stakeholder-facing documentation.

How it connects

Connects metadata with data warehouses, documentation, data catalogs, and self-service analytics.

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Also explained in

• 

  liveBookmanning.com
  Snowflake Data EngineeringThe information schema is a database schema containing views and table functions that expose metadata, historical information, and usage data for database objects.

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Related concepts

• TASK_HISTORY()has part · TASK_HISTORY() is a Snowflake table function that returns details about current, scheduled, and completed task executions.
• schemakind of · A data schema is a formal specification of the structure, fields, types, relationships, and constraints of data.

This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of Effective Data Analysis. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.