Difference between database and schema

sql-server database sql-server-2005 database-schema
sqlchild picture sqlchild · Mar 16, 2011 · Viewed 203.2k times · Source

What's the difference between a Database and a Schema in SQL Server? Both are the containers of tables and data.

If a Schema is deleted, then are all the tables contained in that schema also deleted automatically or are they deleted when the Database is deleted?

Answer

RichardTheKiwi picture RichardTheKiwi · Mar 16, 2011

A database is the main container, it contains the data and log files, and all the schemas within it. You always back up a database, it is a discrete unit on its own.

Schemas are like folders within a database, and are mainly used to group logical objects together, which leads to ease of setting permissions by schema.

EDIT for additional question

drop schema test1

Msg 3729, Level 16, State 1, Line 1
Cannot drop schema 'test1' because it is being referenced by object 'copyme'.

You cannot drop a schema when it is in use. You have to first remove all objects from the schema.

Related reading:

  1. What good are SQL Server schemas?
  2. MSDN: User-Schema Separation

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