Explained: Relational Databases

DEFINITION

A relational database is made up of tables that may be connected together, or "related," without having to entirely reorganize the data. It not only allows users to create an entirely new table from data in one or more existing tables with a single query, but it also allows them to categorize data and store it in a meaningful and effective manner. SQL queries are utilized to deliver information and compile data for reports and analysis. Any set of data from various categories can be incorporated into the total database without requiring changes to the existing system, allowing a company to better comprehend data relationships and acquire insights for better decision-making and recognizing new opportunities.

ADVANTAGES

There are several advantages to relational databases.

Flexibility

By applying a bendable structure to match changing requirements, relational databases have the ability to level up and extend for longer durations. It allows for an increasing volume of data to be received, as well as updates and deletions as needed. It also enables changes to the database configuration to be conducted without causing data or other database components to fail.‍

Easy access and retrieval

There is no pattern or pathway for obtaining data like there is in other databases. Any user can query any table in the database and combine any number of linked tables to get the information they need. This can then be altered based on values from any column or set of columns, allowing developers to obtain only the data they desire.‍

Simplicity

Relational databases do not necessitate complicated database structuring, querying, or time-consuming architectural processes like hierarchical database structuring and defining. It's designed to be handled using basic SQL queries and doesn't demand the creation of sophisticated queries.‍

Integrity

By utilizing solid data entries and legitimacy validations, relational databases have the ability to constrain appropriate arrangements and the data required for constructing relationships. The consistency prevents records from being disjointed, isolated, or defective. Data integrity ensures that data is easy to use, precise, and stable.‍

Accuracy

Multiple tables can be associated to one another using a primary key and foreign key components in relational databases, resulting in non-repetitive data. There's also no potential for data to be duplicated, which is why it's so precise.‍

Security

Relational databases make it simple to classify some tables as confidential when needed. This is easily executed, unlike other databases. Users are able to easily set boundaries for access level, providing admission only to the tables each user is allowed to access.‍

Feasibility for the future

Because the relational database system organizes entries into tables depending on their categories, it's simple to add, delete, or update records that meet the most recent needs. This aspect of the relational database model allows the business to accommodate new requirements. By adhering to the fundamental properties of the relational database management system, any number of new or existing tables or columns of data can be introduced or modified based on the requirements supplied.

EXAMPLES

The relational database model is used by many database products. These databases range in size from modest desktop databases to large cloud-based databases. They might be completely open source, commercially closed-source, or even open source with support options.

Here are a handful of the most well-known examples:

Microsoft SQL Server

Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system developed by Microsoft. As a database server, it is a software product with the primary function of storing and identifying data as requested by other software applications which can be run on the same computer or on another computer in a network.

‍

PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL (also known as Postgres) is a free and open source relational database management system that emphasizes extensibility and SQL compliance. It was originally called Postgres and refers to its origins as a successor to the Ingress database developed at the University of California at Berkeley.

IBM Db2

The DB2 family of data management products includes a database server developed by IBM. DB2 initially supported the relational model but was extended to support object-related features and non-relational structures such as JSON and XML.

‍

SAP HANA

SAP Hana is a database-based, column-oriented relational database management system developed and marketed by SAP SE. Its primary function as software running on the database server is to store and retrieve data as required by the applications.

MySQL

MySQL is an open source relational database management system. The name is a combination of "My" (the daughter of co-founder Michael Wideniuss) and "SQL", the abbreviation for the structured Query Language.

Oracle

Oracle Database is a multi-model database management system produced and distributed by Oracle Corporation. Online transaction processing, data warehousing and mixed database workloads are among its typical uses.
‍

Again, these are just some of the databases available. Are you looking to develop a product utilizing one of the latest and greatest relational databases? Reach out to CODE/+/TRUST today to learn how we can help ideate, plan, design, and develop everything for you!