What is Relational Database Theory:
First defined by Edgar Codd, of
IBM’s San Jose research Laboratory, in 1970, a relational database is a digital
database whose organization is based on the relational model of data. [1] A
relational database can be referred as a collection of data items organized as
a set of formally-described tables. Data can then be accessed or reassembled in
several ways without the need to reorganize the database tables.
Generally speaking, a relational
database is set of tables which contains data fitted into predefined
categories. The tables, also known as relation, can contain one or more data
categories in columns. Each row contains a unique instance of data for the
categories defines by the columns. [3] The domain of possible data values in a
data columns is usually defines as well as further constraints to which the
data may be exposed.
The software systems used to control
and maintain relational databases are known as a relational database management
system (RDBMS). [1] Data in RDBMS is stored in tales which then consist of
related data entries, columns and rows. (See Figure 1)
Figure 1 (
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/sql/sql-rdbms-concepts.htm)
As seen on Figure 1, the table can
be broken into smaller fields; ID, NAME, AGE, ADDRESS and SALARY. Fields are
designed to maintain a particular set of information for every record on a
table. Records are individual entries in the table and are often called row of
data. [3] A column
is the vertical entity on the table and represents off the information related
to a set of information. Constraints are the rules enforced on data columns on
table. These are used to limit the type of data that can go into a table. This
ensures the accuracy and reliability of the data in the database. [3] The
definition of a relational database results in a table of metadata or formal
descriptions of the tables, columns, domains, and constraints. [3]
RDBMS is a
basis for The Structured Query Language (SQL) which can be defined as the
standard computer language for relational database management and data manipulation.
[4] it can be used to query, insert, update and modify data and act as an
additional benefit to database administrators, given that most relational database
support SQL and the latter are often required to work across several platforms
Relational
Database offer many advantages to the users. Data can be easily stored one and
can be classified easily. Data manipulation can easily be performed through the
use of queries and significantly less errors are made through the use of
relational database. It is still evolving to this day and I believe it will
soon be the norm to use them across most platforms and industries.
References:
Comments:
Egla Qori – It was very interesting to learn
about SQL since it is very closely related to relational database management
which was my topic. In fact, relational database management is a basis to SQL. The
language of SQL can be seen as daunting but is very important in this day and
age. It allows data manipulation as well as data interpretation. One note would
be to investigate how SQL will evolve in the near future. Post: https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/b5-sql-egla-qori.html
Ronald Herazo – Your post was very interesting
since you also explained in detail how the relational database server works
across the platforms. It was well structured and the relationship between each
component of a relational database was very interesting to learn about. Post: https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/assignment-b5-group-ronald-herazo.html
Prahlad Singh – The role of database in
construction firms is very essential nowadays. It allows data manipulation with
relatively low degree of errors. I agree with your point of view and it is
interesting to learn more about how the data is processed and calculated in
this industry. One note wold be to think about the future benefits that could
be created through the use of database in the construction industry. Post: https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/b5-singh-prahlad.html
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