What Is A Relational Database?

Written by Indicative Team

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Relational Database Defined

A relational database is a type of database that stores and provides access to data points that are related to one another. Relational databases are based on the relational model, an intuitive, straightforward way of representing data in tables.The relational model means that the logical data structures are separate from the physical storage structures.

The relational database, is made up of rows, columns and tables:

  • Each table contains one or more data categories in columns. The columns of the table hold attributes of the data, and each record usually has a value for each attribute, making it easy to establish the relationships among data points. Each row in that table contains a unique instance of data, or key, for the categories defined by the columns.
  • Each table has a unique primary key, which identifies the information in a table. The relationship between tables can then be set via the use of foreign keys.

Benefits of a relational database include:

  • Data Consistency
  • Commitment and Atomicity
  • Stored Procedures and Relational Databases
  • Database Locking and Concurrency
    • Locking prevents other users and applications from accessing data while it is being updated.
    • Concurrency manages the activity when multiple users or applications invoke queries at the same time on the same database.
  • Data Accuracy
  • Collaboration
  • Security

In Data Defined, we help make the complex world of data more accessible by explaining some of the most complex aspects of the field.

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