Difference between Conceptual and Physical Data Model

Conceptual Data Model

The conceptual data model describes different types of data stored in a database. It also includes the relationships existing among data items. In this data model, a database is also described logically rather than physically in terms of data structure.

Physical Data Model

Physical Data Model is the one closest to the physical storage device. Because it describes how data are stored on a storage medium such as a hard disk, magnetic tape, etc. It also defines compression and encryption techniques.

Conceptual vs Physical Data Model

Parameters	Conceptual Data Model	Physical Data Model
Owner	1. Business Stakeholders & Team members	1. Database Administrator & Developers
Complexity	2. Simple	2. Complex
Entity Names & Relationship	3. Presented	3. Not presented
Primary & Foreign Keys	4. Not presented	4. Presented
Table & Column Names	5. Not presented	5. Presented
Column Data Type & Constraints	6. Not presented	6. Presented