what is a schematic

A schematic, or schematic diagram, is a designed representation of the elements of a system using abstract, graphic symbols rather than realistic pictures. It is a fundamental two-dimensional circuit representation showing the functionality and connectivity between different electrical components. Schematic diagrams are often used in the electrical and electronic industry to describe the design of equipment and for the maintenance and repair of electronic and electromechanical systems. Schematics for electronic circuits are prepared by designers using EDA (electronic design automation) tools called schematic capture tools or schematic entry tools. The schematic aims to capture, on a more general level, the way a circuit works, rather than representing the way the circuit looks. Schematic diagrams primarily consist of component symbols and the lines that define the logical connections between components on a circuit board.