Detailed Note on the Structure of a Relational Database
A relational database is a type of database that stores and provides access to data points that are
related to one another. It is based on the relational model proposed by E.F. Codd in 1970. In a
relational database, data is organized into tables (also called relations), which are made up of rows
and columns.
1. Tables (Relations)
- The core component of a relational database.
- Each table represents a particular entity (e.g., Customers, Orders).
- Consists of rows (records) and columns (attributes or fields).
- Each row in a table represents a unique instance of an entity.
2. Rows (Records/Tuples)
- A row in a table represents a single record.
- Each row contains data about one specific item (e.g., one customer or one order).
- All rows in a table have the same structure (same columns).
3. Columns (Fields/Attributes)
- Columns represent the attributes of the entity.
- Each column has a specific data type (e.g., INT, VARCHAR, DATE).
- Column names are unique within a table.
4. Primary Key
- A column or a set of columns that uniquely identifies each row in a table.
- Cannot contain NULL values.
- Ensures that each record is unique.
5. Foreign Key
- A column (or set of columns) in one table that refers to the primary key in another table.
- Establishes a relationship between two tables.
- Helps maintain referential integrity.
6. Relationships Between Tables
- One-to-One: Each record in Table A corresponds to one record in Table B.
- One-to-Many: One record in Table A can be related to multiple records in Table B.
- Many-to-Many: Records in Table A can be associated with multiple records in Table B and vice
versa, typically implemented using a junction table.
7. Schema
- A schema is the blueprint or structure of the database.
- Defines how tables are organized and related.
- Includes definitions for tables, views, indexes, stored procedures, etc.
8. Normalization
- The process of organizing data to minimize redundancy and improve data integrity.
- Involves dividing large tables into smaller, related tables.
- Normal forms (1NF, 2NF, 3NF, etc.) guide the normalization process.
9. Indexes
- Indexes are used to speed up the retrieval of data.
- Created on one or more columns.
- Improve query performance but can slow down data modification operations.
10. Views
- A view is a virtual table based on the result-set of a SQL query.
- Provides a way to present specific data to users without exposing the underlying tables.
11. Constraints
- Rules enforced on data columns to maintain integrity.
- Examples include NOT NULL, UNIQUE, CHECK, PRIMARY KEY, FOREIGN KEY.
12. Transactions
- A sequence of one or more SQL operations executed as a single unit.
- Follows ACID properties: Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability.
Conclusion
The structure of a relational database is designed to ensure efficient storage, retrieval, and
management of data. By organizing data into tables with defined relationships and constraints,
relational databases offer a powerful and flexible method for handling structured data.
