[1][2] The database contains a classification and associated information about enzymes involved in the synthesis, metabolism, and recognition of complex carbohydrates, i.e. disaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and glycoconjugates.

Included in the database are families of glycoside hydrolases,[3] glycosyltransferases,[4] polysaccharide lyases,[5] carbohydrate esterases,[6] and non-catalytic carbohydrate-binding modules.

[7] The CAZy database also includes a classification of Auxiliary Activity redox enzymes involved in the breakdown of lignocellulose.

[8] CAZy was established in 1999 in order to provide online and constantly updated access to the protein sequence-based family classification of CAZymes,[1] which was originally developed in early 1990s to classify the glycoside hydrolases.

[13] CAZy identifies evolutionarily related families of glycosyl hydrolases using the classification introduced by Bernard Henrissat.