What is the recommended method for inspecting the schema properties of a feature class without adding it to a map in ArcMap?

The recommended method for inspecting the schema properties of a feature class without adding it to a map in ArcMap is to navigate to the Conversion Tools > Export Metadata Toolset geoprocessing tool. This method allows for the extraction of metadata for the feature class, which includes detailed schema properties such as field names, types, lengths, and other attributes relevant to understanding the structure and organization of the data.

Using the Export Metadata tool is particularly useful because it provides a comprehensive view of all metadata associated with the feature class, thus enabling users to inspect schema properties without the need to include the data in their current map project. This approach is efficient for users who are focused on analyzing or documenting the structure of their datasets.

The other methods are less suitable for this specific task. Opening the Item Description context menu or the Properties context menu for the feature class directly may not provide the same depth of metadata information as the Export Metadata tool does. Additionally, accessing the properties of the geodatabase itself might provide a broader overview of the geodatabase structure but would not yield specific schema details for a particular feature class.