Schema model - Darpan

A schema is a reusable contract for source data shape.

Schema design

Use names that describe the source and record type.
Keep field names stable across runs.
Represent identifiers as strings unless arithmetic is required.
Represent money and quantities consistently.
Document fields that are derived or normalized.

Schema lifecycle

Stage	Action
Draft	Create the initial schema from a known source sample.
Validate	Run a small reconciliation or parse test.
Adopt	Use the schema for recurring reconciliation runs.
Revise	Update only when the source shape or business contract changes.

Change control

Changing a schema can change future run output. When a schema change affects comparison behavior, record why it changed and which reconciliation runs use the revised schema.

To create a schema in Darpan, see Create a schema.