Glossary · Database

Relational Database

A database that organizes data into structured tables with rows and columns, linked by defined relationships.

A relational database management system (RDBMS) stores data in tables (relations) where each table has a fixed schema of columns and stores records as rows. Tables are connected through relationships defined by primary keys and foreign keys. The relational model, proposed by Edgar F. Codd in 1970, provides a mathematical foundation for data organization based on set theory and predicate logic. Popular relational databases include PostgreSQL, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and SQLite. Relational databases excel at maintaining data integrity through ACID transactions, enforcing constraints, and enabling complex queries across related data sets.

Fig — every answer ships with the tables, rows and SQL behind it.