Relational Database
中文版：关系型数据库
A relational database organizes data into tables (rows and columns) and defines relationships between them.
Definition
- SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standard language for accessing and manipulating databases.
- RDBMS (Relational Database Management System) uses SQL queries to access the data in the database.
- RDBMS is the basis for all modern database systems.
- RDBMS is a program used to maintain a relational database.
Core Characteristics
- A relational database defines relationships in the form of tables.
- Tables are linked via columns such as CustomerID and ShipperID.
- The relationship between the “Customers” table and the “Orders” table is the CustomerID column.
- The relationship between the “Orders” table and the “Shippers” table is the ShipperID column.
Common Systems
| System | Description |
|---|---|
| MySQL | Modern database system |
| Microsoft SQL Server | Modern database system |
| Oracle | Modern database system |
| Microsoft Access | Modern database system |
When to Use
RDBMS can struggle with horizontal scalability when data volume or write throughput grows beyond a single server’s capacity. NoSQL databases are designed to address this limitation.
Related Concepts
- NoSQL Database — Alternative for unstructured big data
- OLTP vs OLAP — Transactional vs analytical storage patterns