What defines the requirements for developing a database?

The conceptual data model is critical in defining the requirements for developing a database. This model serves as an abstract framework that outlines the high-level structure and organization of the data, focusing on the entities involved, their attributes, and the relationships among them. It is independent of any specific technology or implementation details, allowing stakeholders to understand the data requirements in a way that facilitates communication between business users and technical developers.

By capturing the essential requirements and objectives of the system, the conceptual data model lays the groundwork for more detailed database designs. It ensures that the key aspects of the data and its usage are documented and understood before any physical or logical models are created. This helps ensure that the database developed aligns with the business needs and requirements identified during the analysis phase.