LU04a - Concept of a RDB
Learning Objectives
- I can explain in my own words, what a relations database is and why it is widely used in all kinds of web applications.
- I can name and explain the key components of a relational database.
A Relational Database (RDB) is a structured method for storing and organizing data. The core idea is to represent data as related tables.
Key components
- Tables: A collection of related data organized into rows (records) and columns (fields). Each row represents a unique entity, and columns contain specific attributes.
- Records: A single row in a table, representing a specific instance of data.
- Fields: A column in a table, defining the type of data stored in each row.
- Relationships: Connections between tables based on shared data. Common types include one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many relationships.
Structure and Integrity
- Primary Key: A unique identifier for each record in a table.
- Foreign Key: A field in one table that references the primary key in another table, establishing a relationship.
- Data Integrity: Ensures data accuracy and consistency through constraints like:
- Entity Integrity: Every table must have a primary key with no null values.
- Referential Integrity: Foreign key values must match existing primary key values or be null.
- Domain Integrity: Data values must conform to defined data types.
Advantages of RDBs
- Data Consistency: Enforced by relationships and constraints.
- Data Security: Access control mechanisms protect sensitive information.
- Data Independence: Changes to data structure can be made without affecting applications.
- Efficient Data Access: Indexing and query optimization enhance performance.
Common RDB Systems
- MySQL
- PostgreSQL
- Oracle Database
- Microsoft SQL Server
Vocabulary
English | German |
---|---|
row | Zeile |
column | Spalte |
entity | Objekt(-Einheit) |
attribute | Eigenschaft |
instance | Exemplar, Beispiel |
unique | einzig(-artig) |
to reference to | verweisen auf |
to establish | errichten, herstellen |
consistency | Widerspruchsfreiheit, Übereinstimmung |
constraint | Auflage, Bedingung |
to enhance | verbessern, aufwerten |