Page 450 - Computer_Science_F5

Relational database
A relational database is a collection of data elements linked by predefined
connections, organised into tables with columns and rows. It divides data into tables
that can be connected based on shared data, allowing the creation of new tables
from existing ones through queries. This structure enhances understanding of data Chapter Eight: Databases and Database Management Systems
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relationships and supports better decision-making. For example, a school database
might include tables for pupils, family members, results, subjects, and teachers,
connected by columns like Pupil_ID as shown in Figure 8.6. Queries can link these
tables to generate reports, such as consolidated pupil results. Relational databases
are widely used for managing inventories, sales, finances, treatments, and more.
This section will cover key concepts such as entity-relationship models, functional
dependencies, and normalization.

Figure 8.6: Simple relational database example – Pupil Database

Relational database model Visual representations illustrate how
A relational database model uses data elements connect, addressing
predefined relationships between data questions such as who, what, where, and
items, guided by structured data models why. For instance, in retail transactions,
that progress from conceptual to logical to the model includes customer details,
physical stages. These models provide a product specifics, and purchase history,
framework for organizing and accessing starting with conceptual models for
data accurately and consistently, defining user needs, advancing through logical
essential structures, rules, and naming models, and finalizing with detailed
conventions for database development. physical database.

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Student’s Book Form Five

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