What is RDBMS?
RDBMS stands for Relational Database Management System. It is a software system that manages the storage, organization, and retrieval of data stored in a relational database. An RDBMS is based on the relational model of data, which represents data as a collection of tables with rows and columns, where relationships between tables are defined through keys.
Here are some key characteristics and features of RDBMS:
Tables: Data in an RDBMS is organized into tables, also known as relations. A table consists of rows, which represent individual records, and columns, which define the attributes or fields of the data.
Relationships: RDBMS allows establishing relationships between tables through keys. The primary key uniquely identifies each row in a table, and foreign keys establish relationships between tables by referring to the primary key of another table.
Structured Query Language (SQL): RDBMS uses SQL as the standard language for managing and querying data. SQL provides a set of commands and syntax for creating and modifying database schema, inserting, updating, and retrieving data, and performing various operations on the database.
Data Integrity: RDBMS enforces data integrity by supporting constraints such as primary key constraints, unique constraints, foreign key constraints, and check constraints. These constraints ensure the accuracy, consistency, and validity of data stored in the database.
ACID Properties: RDBMS ensures data integrity and reliability by adhering to the ACID properties. ACID stands for Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability. These properties ensure that database transactions are processed reliably and securely, maintaining data consistency and preventing data corruption or loss.
Indexing and Query Optimization: RDBMS provides mechanisms for indexing data, which improves the efficiency of data retrieval operations. Query optimization techniques are employed to optimize the execution of SQL queries, ensuring optimal performance even with large datasets.
Concurrency Control: RDBMS includes mechanisms for managing concurrent access to the database by multiple users or applications. Techniques such as locking, isolation levels, and transaction management are used to ensure data consistency and prevent conflicts in concurrent operations.
Data Security: RDBMS provides features for data security, including user authentication, authorization, and access control. It allows granting or revoking permissions to users or roles to control data access and protect sensitive information.
Popular examples of RDBMS systems include Oracle Database, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and IBM DB2. RDBMS systems are widely used for managing structured data in various domains, such as enterprise applications, banking systems, e-commerce platforms, and more.