In the database design process, what is the first step?

The first step in the database design process is the creation of a conceptual schema. This phase involves understanding and defining the high-level structure of the data requirements. It focuses on capturing the essential entities, their attributes, and relationships without getting bogged down by technical implementation details.

In this initial stage, the goal is to develop a clear and comprehensive model that accurately reflects the needs of the end-users and the operational requirements of the system. The conceptual schema serves as a blueprint for understanding how various data elements interact and is crucial for ensuring that the design aligns with business objectives and user requirements.

Once this foundation is laid out, subsequent steps such as the logical data model, which details data types and relationships in a more structured way, and physical database design, which translates the logical model into a physical structure optimized for performance, can be undertaken. Data normalization, which focuses on organizing data to reduce redundancy and improve integrity, typically comes after the initial conceptual and logical designs are completed.