What do you call a detailed documentation of data structures and their relationships in a project?

A detailed documentation of data structures and their relationships in a project is referred to as a data dictionary. This is a comprehensive resource that describes the various components of the data used within the project, including definitions, characteristics, and data types for each element. It serves as a reference for developers, database designers, and stakeholders by providing clarity on how data is structured, how it interconnects, and the constraints applied to it.

In addition to defining specific data attributes, the data dictionary often encompasses relationships among different data entities, documenting how they interact and relate within the larger framework of the project. This can help ensure consistent use of terminology and understanding across different teams involved in the project.

While a data schema specifies the structure of a database and defines tables, fields, and their types, it does not provide the same level of detail in documentation as a data dictionary. A data model is more about the conceptual representation of data and often relies on a higher abstraction level, which may also not include the depth of descriptive detail found in a data dictionary. A data repository refers to a storage location for data rather than documentation. Thus, the specific emphasis on detailed documentation and the relationships between data structures makes the identification of a data dictionary the most fitting choice.