Relational database

A relational database is a database based on the relational model.

Strictly speaking, this means a relational database takes the form of a specific collection of data. The database software that is used to manage the data is called a relational database management system, or RDBMS. (However, common usage doesn't always preserve this distinction.)

Relational databases should be stored in normal form.

See also

• Database management system (DBMS)

External links

• A Relational Model of Data for Large Shared Data Banks: By E. F. Codd

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This article contains material from relational database at FOLDOC; used with permission.