RELATIONAL DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (RDBMS)
Defined:
Relational Database is a common type of database wherein data are stored and
shown in tables, labeled as field (column) and records (rows). This allows the user to
identify and access the data in relation to another piece of data in the database.
On the other hand, RDBMS is the program itself that allows us to create, update,
and administer the relational database.
These terms are first introduced and used by Edgar F. Codd on his research paper
A Relational Model of Data for Large Shared Data Banks” in 1970.
Figure 1 shows a simple illustration of how relational database looks like. However,
the table should have a one unique key to differentiate every data, normally called a
primary key.
FEATURES OF RDBMS (in comparison to DBMS):
• Hardware and Software Requirements – RDBMS required more hardwares and
softwares, making it costly than DBMS.
• Data – RDBMS can handle small to large data, while DBMS can only handle small
data.
• Structure – RDBMS uses tables to access data. On the other hand DBMS keeps data
in hierarchial form.
• Management of Programs – RDBMS helps in managing the relationships between
its incorporated tables in data, while DBMS focuses on maintaining databases that are
present within the computer network.
• ACID Property conformity – RDBMS conforms to Atomicity, consistency, isolation,
and durability (ACID) property, while DBMS do not conform with this property.
Transaction – It is a single logical unit of work which accesses and may modify
the contents of the database.
Atomicity – Transaction is either happen all at once or not happen at all. All or
Nothing rule. There are two operations involve:
1. Abort – changes because of a transaction are not visible.
2. Commit – Changes are visible,
Consistency – The database must be consistent before and after transaction.
Isolation – Multiple transactions occur independently without interfering one
another.
Durability – Changes of a successful transaction occurs even if system failure
occurs
This ACID property ensures the relational database transactions are processed
reliably and also the integrity of the data in the database.
• Allowed Users – RDBMS can operate with multiple users, while DBMS can only be
used by one user at a time.
Concurrrency Control – It is the method of dealing with a situation in which two
or more users or applications need to access the same record at the same time.
WHAT IS SQL?
Standard Query Language or sometimes called as SQL and read as SEQUEL,
is a special programming language use to access and manipulate data stored in a
relational database. In other words, it is the mode of usage in an RDB.
Some of the most common commands or functions used in Querying are Select,
Insert, Drop, and Delete. This helps users to gather and filter data that they needed.
Ex. SELECT employees where salary is ≥15000
SQL simply helps users to integrate and apply complicated commands to easily
access the database system.
DATABASE ACTIVITIES
1. Prodiving a User View
Since the DBMS is responsible for providing access to a database, its first step
in installing and using a relational database involves makin a logical and physical
structure of the data and the relationships among the data. This logcal and physical
structure is defined by a schema. Schema, in RDBMS, defines each tables, each
fields in the tables, and the relationships of these tables and fields.
2. Creating and Modifying the Database
After the schema has been done, it will now be entered into the database
management system via Data Definition Language (DDL). DDL is a collection of
instructions and commands used to define and describe dara and relationships in a
specific database. It also allows creators to define the relationships of the data in the
schema. Some functions or statements used in DDL are CREATE, DROP, ALTER,
and RENAME.
Another step on creating the database is to make and establish a Data
Dictionary. Data Dictionary is a detailed description of all data used in the database.
It contains the name of the data item, aliases for every data item, range of values that
can be used, type of data either alphanumeric or numeric, notation of the person
responsible and who can access it, lits of reports that use the data item. It can also
inclue description of data flows, information on how records are organized, and data-
processing requirements.
3. Storing and Retrieving Data
When an application program needs data, it requests data through DBMS. In
doing so, it follows a Logical Access Path (LAP). After the request, the system, with
various programs, will acess a storage device such as CD, or any Solid State Device
to store the data requested. This now follows a Physical Access Path (PAP).
4. Manipulation of Data
Data Manipulation can be done after the database system has been installed.
Employees, employers, and other authorized users can use this to obtain specified
special reports using Data Manipulation Language (DML) – a specific language
provided with the DBMS to access the system, generate reports, and make queries.
Some examples of DML functions are SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, and
other SQL statements.
Examples of SQL Database
MySQL – it is the most popular open source SQL database. It is typically used for web
application development, and often accessed using PHP.
The main advantages of MySQL are that it is easy to use, inexpensive, reliable,
and has lots of developers who might help users to answer questions.
PostgreSQL – it is an open source SQL database that is not controlled by any
corporation. It is typically used for web application development.
Oracle DB - Oracle Corporation owns Oracle Database, and the code is not open
sourced. Oracle DB is for large applications, particularly in the banking industry.
SQLite - SQLite is a popular open source SQL database. It can store an entire database
in a single file. One of the most significant advantages this provides is that all of the data
can be stored locally without having to connect your database to a server.
