Relational Database

A relational database is a type of database that organizes data into tables (also called relations) consisting of rows and columns. Each row represents a record, and each column represents an attribute of that record. This model is based on relational theory introduced by E.F. Codd in the 1970s.

Key features of relational databases include:

Structured Format: Data is organized systematically into tables.
Relationships: Tables can be linked using keys, such as primary keys (unique identifiers for a table) and foreign keys (references to primary keys in other tables).
SQL (Structured Query Language): A standard language used to query, update, and manage the database.
For example, a relational database for an e-commerce site may include tables for customers, products, and orders. These tables can be linked, allowing queries such as retrieving all orders placed by a specific customer.

Relational databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle are widely used due to their reliability, flexibility, and ability to handle complex data relationships. They are ideal for applications requiring structured data storage and transactional integrity, such as banking, retail, and enterprise systems.