Databases & Data Storage
Relational Database
Definition
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.
Why It Matters
For decades, relational databases have been the workhorse of business applications. Their rigid schema and support for ACID transactions make them ideal for applications that require high data integrity and consistency, like banking and e-commerce systems.
Contextual Example
An e-commerce database might have a `Customers` table and an `Orders` table. Each row in the `Orders` table would contain a `CustomerID` that links it to a specific customer in the `Customers` table. This is a "relation".
Common Misunderstandings
- Relational databases use SQL as their standard query language.
- MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle are popular examples of Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS).