Database Data Independence, Schemas, and Architecture
Data Independence in Database Systems
Building on the 3-level architecture we discussed, Data Independence is the practical benefit of that structure. It is the ability to modify a database schema at one level without requiring a change to the schema at the next higher level. This ensures that as your database grows or your hardware changes, you don't have to rewrite your entire software application.
1. Physical Data Independence
Physical Data Independence is the ability to change the Internal/Physical schema without affecting the Conceptual schema.
Basically, you can change how the data is stored on the disk without changing the logical structure (the tables and relationships).
- Where it happens: Between the Internal level and the Conceptual level.