• Organizes structured data into rows and columns, forming tables that link together based on data relationships
• Uses a standard language called SQL to query information and depends on unique identifiers (keys) to connect data points across multiple tables
• Key concepts
  • Tables and Tuples
    • Data is stored in physical and conceptual tables
    • Each row (tuple) represents an individual record
    • Each column represents a specific attribute of that record
  • Primary and Foreign Keys
    • Tables are linked using shared columns
    • A primary key is a unique identifier for a specific row in a table
    • A foreign key is a column that matches a primary key in another table to establish a relationship
  • Schema
    • The defined blueprint of how the database is constructed
    • Including data types, tables, and rules
• Popular management Systems
  • Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) are engines used to create and maintain these databases
    • PostgreSQL
      • Open source, highly extensible enterprise database
    • MySQL
      • Widely used for web applications and content management systems
    • Oracle Database
      • A powerful, commercial-grade RDBMS favored in large enterprises
    • Microsoft SQL Server
      • A comprehensive system commonly utilized in Windows-based corporate environments
  • When to use
    • Ideal for applications requiring strong data consistency, complex querying, and highly structured information
    • Standard backbone for financial systems, e-commerce transaction processing, human resources, and inventory tracking