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Relational Database

A relational database is a type of database management system (DBMS) that stores and manages data in a structured, tabular format using a collection of tables. The tables in a relational database are organized in rows and columns, each representing a unique record and each representing a specific attribute or field of the data. The relational model was first introduced by Edgar F. Codd in 1970 and has since become the most widely used database model due to its flexibility, efficiency, and ease of use.

The key features and concepts of a relational database include:

  • Tables: The primary structure in a relational database is the table. Each table represents a distinct entity or object, such as customers, products, or orders, and contains multiple rows (records) and columns (attributes) to store the data.
  • Columns and Data Types: Each column in a table corresponds to a specific attribute of the data and has a defined data type, such as integer, float, text, or date. Data types help enforce data consistency and integrity by ensuring that only values of the correct type are stored in each column.
  • Rows and Records: Each row in a table represents a unique instance or record of the entity, with each cell in the row containing the value of a specific attribute for that record. Rows can be added, updated, or deleted as the data changes.
  • Primary Keys: A primary key is a unique identifier for each record in a table. It is a column or a combination of columns that contains a unique value for each row, ensuring that no two rows have the same primary key value. Primary keys are essential for establishing relationships between tables and maintaining data integrity.
  • Foreign Keys: A foreign key is a column or set of columns in one table that refers to the primary key of another table. Foreign keys are used to create relationships between tables, allowing users to query and join data across multiple tables based on the relationships between the entities they represent.
  • Normalization: Normalization is a technique used in relational databases to minimize data redundancy and improve data integrity by organizing the tables and relationships in a way that ensures each piece of data is stored in only one place. This process involves dividing larger tables into smaller, more focused tables and defining relationships between them.
  • Structured Query Language (SQL): SQL is a standardized programming language used to interact with relational databases. It allows users to create, modify, and query the database using statements like SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, and JOIN, among others.

In summary, a relational database is a type of database management system that stores and manages data in a structured, tabular format using tables, rows, and columns. Key concepts include tables, columns and data types, rows and records, primary keys, foreign keys, normalization, and SQL. Relational databases are widely used due to their flexibility, efficiency, and ease of use, making them a popular choice for many different types of applications and industries.



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