> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://mariadb.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://mariadb.com/docs/gridgain/gridgain-9/gridgain9-get-started/learning-paths/schema-design-for-distributed-sql.md).

# Schema Design for Distributed SQL

Design distributed schemas with colocated tables and distribution zones, express them as Java annotations, and choose the right data access API.

In a distributed database, schema design is performance design. You analyze access patterns, choose colocation columns and distribution zones, express the design as Java annotations, and pick the right API for each call site. Complete [Distributed SQL Foundations](/docs/gridgain/gridgain-9/gridgain9-get-started/learning-paths/distributed-sql-foundations.md) first.

| Tutorial                                                                                                                                                              | Time   | Level        |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------ | ------------ |
| [Design a Schema for Distributed SQL](/docs/gridgain/gridgain-9/gridgain9-get-started/learning-paths/schema-design-for-distributed-sql/schema-distributed-sql.md)     | 75 min | Intermediate |
| [Implement Schema With Java Annotations](/docs/gridgain/gridgain-9/gridgain9-get-started/learning-paths/schema-design-for-distributed-sql/schema-java-annotations.md) | 60 min | Intermediate |
| [Choose the Right Data Access Pattern](/docs/gridgain/gridgain-9/gridgain9-get-started/learning-paths/schema-design-for-distributed-sql/data-access-patterns.md)      | 75 min | Intermediate |