Best Relational Databases

A relational database works by storing data in multiple, related tables, using rows and columns. The logical data structures, which consist of the data tables, views, and indexes, are kept separate from the physical storage structure.

The physical separation means that administrators of the database can organize the physical data storage without changing the data of a logical structure. For example, retitling a database file does not change the name of the tables saved within it.

The relationships among data points are easily found, as each row in the table is a record with a unique identification called a key. Each column of the table holds elements of the data, and each record generally has a value for each element.

Effectively, the tables store data similar to an Excel spreadsheet. Rows are unique information, which uses their individual features, while columns are identifying attributes of the information. There can be millions of rows in a database. Columns are made up of one specific data type.

There are nearly a dozen other kinds of databases. They include:

• Cloud databases
• Columnar databases
• Document databases
• Graph databases
• Hierarchical databases
• Key-value databases
• NoSQL databases,
• Object-oriented databases
• Time-series databases.
• Wide column databases

Among the many advantages of a relational database, its simplistic model makes it a heavily desired option. No complex queries are required. Compared to other databases, a relational database offers a simpler model, free from complex structuring.

Unlike other databases, which require specific paths for accessing data, another huge advantage of a relational database is its easy access to stored data through any path. Even the ability to modify data is made quite simple.

For organizations with a large amount of data, the accuracy of data is essential. As a relational database uses an interrelated table, another benefit to this model is that stored data is not duplicated. This allows for the guarantee that all stored data is accurate.

Perhaps its biggest advantage is high security. The ability to make certain tables confidential makes relational databases a desired option, as one can give authorization to users to work on specific tables while keeping the rest of the information private. This provides an enormous advantage to companies with large amounts of data, where confidentiality is key.

Though relational databases are free from complex structured data, with continuously increasing data, these databases may become complex, too, which can make the system more complicated. Since all data is organized using common characteristics, the more similar data that is inputted, the more complex the data environment can become.

In addition, the underlying cost involved in a relational database is its biggest disadvantage. A separate software must be set up, and an experienced technician is needed to service the system. For businesses working with smaller budgets, this can get costly.

Physical storage is the next biggest disadvantage, as a relational database demands an enormous mass of physical memory, considering it is made up of rows and columns.

What are some of the features of a relational database management system?

The main features include:

• Data normalization - as multiple users have access to a database, one runs the risk of data duplication. Data normalization reduces this risk and diminishes the possibility of destructive redundancies appearing, which helps improve data integrity.
• Data structuring - an RDBMS allows data to be stored in a concise and hierarchical way so that each data point can be arranged and stored systematically, and then accessed and retrieved easily.
• Security protocols - security to all data is essential. Not only is the integrity of the database protected, but the data and records residing in it are protected as well by using data encryption.
• User-defined integrity constraints - users can define integrity rules and constraints in order to prevent accidental damage to the database. The RDBMS allows each user to determine validation and integrity regulations.
• Data backup - an essential feature, data backup can help your database recover any lost or corrupted data. This can protect your data against any accidental loss. Most RDBMSs can protect against logical and physical data backup.