Relational Model Concepts

In this lesson, we will discuss the fundamentals of relational databases.

Why use relational data models?

The relational data model was introduced by C.F. Codd in 1970. Currently, it is the most widely used data model.

The relational model has provided the basis for:

  • Research on the theory of data/relationship/constraint.
  • Numerous database design methodologies.
  • The standard database access language called Structured Query Language (SQL).
  • Almost all modern commercial database management systems.

The relational data model describes the world as “a collection of inter-related relations (or tables).”

What is relational model?

The relational model represents the database as a collection of relations. A relation is nothing but a table of values. Every row in the table represents a collection of related data values. These rows in the table denote a real-world entity or relationship. The table and column names are helpful to interpret the meaning of values in each row.

Some popular relational database management systems are:

  • DB2 and Informix Dynamic Server - IBM
  • Oracle and RDB – Oracle
  • SQL Server and Access - Microsoft

Fundamental concepts of the relational data model

Consider a relation STUDENT as shown below:

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