What is schema evolution and why is it important?

What is schema evolution and why is it important?

Schema evolution refers to the ability to change the structure of a database schema over time without losing existing data. It's important because it allows databases to adapt to new requirements and technologies.

Can you give me an example of schema evolution in action?

Sure! For instance, if a company starts tracking customer phone numbers, they might initially store them as a simple string. Later, they may need to store multiple phone numbers per customer, requiring a change in the schema to accommodate this new structure.

What challenges can arise during schema evolution?

Challenges include data migration issues, maintaining data integrity, and ensuring that applications using the database can handle the changes without downtime.

How can I manage schema evolution effectively?

Effective management can be achieved through version control for schemas, automated migration tools, and thorough testing to ensure compatibility with existing data.