Relational DatabaseA relational database is a database that follows the relational model, where sets of data, usually in the form of distinct tables, are related by common unique IDs.
This term actually refers to the database’ data as well as to the database structure of the said data, which is known as the schema. The software that is used to create a relational database is appropriately called the Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). But oftentimes the software is wrongfully named the relational database. What this means is that applications like Oracle, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL, and MySQL are not relational databases.
The said term was originally used and coined by E.F. Codd. The definition that was first arrived at by Codd is now no longer the sole usage of the term. There are many modern DBMS makers that have already adopted a more relaxed usage of the said term.
In the strictest definitions though a relational database is none other than a collection of relations that are more frequently known as tables. There are other items that are also usually considered as part of the database as they are used to help organize and structure data. In addition to this, they force the database to follow a set of requirements, which helps in making it more uniform.
Web Resources On Relational Database
Introduction to Relational Database Design
Introduction to Relational Databases
Book Resources On Relational DatabaseIntroduction to Relational Databases by Christopher Allen, Catherine Creary, Simon Chatwin
Inside Relational Databases by Mark Whitehorn, Bill Marklyn
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