| Lesson 2 | The relational database model |
| Objective | Describe the relational database model. |
The structure of every database is determined by a database
model.
A database model is a formal structure for organizing and linking data in a database.
The relational model
A database model is a formal structure for organizing and linking data in a database.
A relational database is based on the relational model,
which organizes data into tables comprising columns and rows. In the relational database
model:
-
A table is the largest structure.
table : A collection of data arranged in rows and columns. A table is the largest structure in a relational database. -
A field (column) is the smallest structure.
field: The smallest structure in a table; contains data describing the subject of a table. -
A record (row) contains all the fields in a table.
record: A particular instance of the subject of a table.
- Table,
- field,
- record
Table, field, and record are terms typically used in general database discussions; table, column, and row are used to physically
describe a tabular format.
In the next lesson, we will examine a relational database table in detail.
In the next lesson, we will examine a relational database table in detail.
