schema-exploration

name	schema-exploration
description	For discovering and understanding database structure, tables, columns, and relationships

Schema Exploration Skill

When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when you need to:

• Understand the database structure
• Find which tables contain certain types of data
• Discover column names and data types
• Map relationships between tables

Workflow

1. List All Tables

Use sql_db_list_tables tool to see all available tables in the database.

2. Get Schema for Specific Tables

Use sql_db_schema tool with table names to examine:

• Column names - What fields are available
• Data types - INTEGER, TEXT, DATETIME, etc.
• Sample data - 3 example rows to understand content
• Primary keys - Unique identifiers for rows
• Foreign keys - Relationships to other tables

3. Map Relationships

Identify how tables connect:

• Look for columns ending in "Id" (e.g., CustomerId, ArtistId)
• Foreign keys link to primary keys in other tables
• Document parent-child relationships

4. Answer the Question

Provide clear information about:

• Available tables and their purpose
• Column names and what they contain
• How tables relate to each other
• Sample data to illustrate content

Common Exploration Patterns

Pattern 1: Find a Table

"Which table has customer information?" → Use list_tables, then describe Customer table

Pattern 2: Understand Structure

"What's in the Invoice table?" → Use schema tool to show columns and sample data

Pattern 3: Map Relationships

"How are artists connected to sales?" → Trace the foreign key chain: Artist → Album → Track → InvoiceLine → Invoice

Tips

• Table names in Chinook are singular and capitalized (Customer, not customers)
• Foreign keys typically have "Id" suffix and match a table name
• Use sample data to understand what values look like
• When unsure which table to use, list all tables first