A Sneak Peek into the History of RDBMS
In the year 1970, E.F. Codd invented the terminology ‘relational database’ at IBM. He referred to this term in one of his research papers, named ‘A Relational Model of Data for Large Shared Data Banks’.1 You can find more references to what exactly relational means in this paper and the papers released later.
In fact, one of the most popular and widely used definitions of the elements of an RDBMS comprises Codd’s 12 rules. But most of these rules and the early models of the RDBMS seemed to be non-compliant, which led the term to be grouped under a broader class of database systems:
- The data would be presented to the user in a tabular form, also known as relations, which is a collection of tables and each table consists of a set of rows and columns.
- Relational operators would be provided to organize the data in the afore-mentioned tabular form.
Here are some of the implementations that were adopted as part of the early relational model systems:
- Micro DBMS
- IS1 (1970–72) and PRTV (1973–79)
It is known that the very first RDBMS system sold was Multics Relational Data Store followed by Ingres and IBM BS12.
Definition of RDBMS
Though not strictly based on relational theory, RDBMS is a product that showcases data arranged as a collection of rows and columns. And these RDBMS products follow some of the Codd’s 12 rules.
With an RDBMS, it is possible to embed a collection of programs or capabilities, enabling IT and other related teams to create, edit, update, manage and interrelate with a relational database.
Structured query language (SQL) is implemented by most commercial RDBMS systems for accessing the database. Some experts such as data scientists and data analysts are of the opinion that RDBMS can run by itself without the intervention of SQL as it was developed after the introduction of the relational model.
RDBMS in Terms of DBMS
RDBMS belongs to the database management system (DBMS) category. This kind of DBMS comprises a row-based table structure connecting related data elements and the essential functions to maintain security, accuracy, consistency, and integrity of the data.
What are the main functions of an RDBMS?
- It manages and deals with all relational databases
- Helps in communicating with the relational database engine
Features of RDBMS Systems:
- All data stored in the tables are provided by an RDBMS
- Ensures that all data stored are in the form of rows and columns
- Facilitates primary key, which helps in unique identification of the rows
- Index creation for retrieving data at a higher speed
- Facilitates a common column to be shared amid two or more tables
- Multi-user accessibility is facilitated to be controlled by individual users
- A virtual table creation is enabled to store sensitive data and simplify queries
These features are the reasons why RDBMS is widely used across the world. In simple words, RDBMS is the software system that allows storing data in the form of tables. As we discussed, data stored within RDBMS is in the form of rows and columns and this kind of a setup is often referred to as tuples and attributes.
Functions of RDBMS:
We have understood the definition and the features of RDBMS. Let us now take a look at the function of RDBMS.
- Manage and handles all relational databases
- Provides access simultaneously to multiple users for the same database
- Data descriptions are given in a data dictionary
- Maintains communications with the relational database engine
- Sets user’s access rights by establishing security protocols
- Undertake actions for regular data backup and recovery in case of problems.
- Enhances data integrity by setting up structure and rules of databases.
What are the most popular Relational Databases?
Some of the most popular Relational databases in 2023 are as follows:
Let us examine how RDBMS and DBMS Differ
Storage:
With DBMS, data is stored as a file, while RDBMS stores data in the form of tables.
Database Structure:
Data is stored in a navigational or hierarchical form in DBMS, while RDBMS implements a tabular structure where the headers are used as columns names and the rows comprise the corresponding values.
Users:
While RDBMS can accommodate multiple users, DBMS allows only one user.
ACID:
DBMS does not implement the Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability (ACID) model for storing data, which can bring about inconsistencies within the database. Whereas RDBMS is based upon the ACID model for consistency in a structure of the data.
Type of Program:
DBMS program manages databases present within the computer networks and system hard disks. RDBMS is a database system that helps in maintaining relationships with the tables.
Hardware and Software Needs:
DBMS exercises a lower software and hardware need; while with RDBMS, these needs are even higher.
Normalization:
Though RDBMS can be normalized, DBMS does not support normalization.
Distributed Databases:
RDBMS offers entire support for distributed databases, while DBMS does not support it.
Data Quantity:
DBMS can handle only small amounts of data, while RDBMS can handle any amount of data.
Compliance with Dr. E.F. Codd Rules:
RDBMS complies around 8 to 10 rules, while DBMS complies less than seven rules.
Security:
RDBMS offers a huge security, while DBMS offers zero security.
Examples:
Examples of DBMS include file system, XML, Windows Registry. Some of the examples of RDBMS are SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle and so on.
Now, you know why RDBMS came into the bigger picture and how it might be the perfect fit for your requirement.
We are going to provide deeper insights into the advantages and disadvantage of RDBMS.
Advantages of RDBMS
Data structure:
As discussed, the table format can be easily understood by the users, which makes it simpler for them to use it. The data access and data organization are arranged using a natural structure. Matching entries can be located with ease using database queries.
Accessing the Network:
An RDBMS comprises a software program, server daemon, which has been specifically designed to capture requests sent over a network, facilitating the communication between database clients and the database. Here the users are not required to log in to the computer system to access or use the database. This facilitates the users with a convenience and a security layer for your database. Developers utilize this network access facility to create desktop tools and web apps to interact with databases.
Language:
As discussed previously, an RDBMS supports a standard language that most of us are familiar with – SQL. This is mainly because the syntax of SQL is simple. It implements keywords and phrasing in the English language. This further makes it easier to learn and interpret. Sometimes, an RDBMS is known to add non-SQL database-specific keywords, functions, and features to this SQL awesomeness.
Speed
Though RDBMS does not account as the fastest known database management system structure, since it offers a number of features, such as ease and simplicity, speed is automatically overridden. There are a variety of optimizations that have been planted into the RDBMS along with the database design that further helps in performance enhancement, thereby facilitating the RDBMS to perform faster for all applications and data sets.
Technological enhancements, decrease in memory and storage costs, and increase in processor speeds are some of the factors that contribute to helping the technicians build faster systems for covering up deficiencies in the performance of the database systems.
Maintenance
With RDBMS, maintenance is easier as it helps the database admins or technicians to maintain, repair, control, test and even back up the databases that reside within their main system. A built-in automation system or automation tools within the RDBMS on the operating system helps in automating these functions.
User Access to More Than One Person
As already discussed, the user access is multiple. So, more than one user can access one database at the same time. As the data is being updated or changed, users can utilize the built-in locking and transactions management functionality to access the data. This mainly helps in overcoming any possible crashes between more than one users working on the data and prevents users from accessing or using data that has been partially updated.
Privileges
With the authorization and privilege control features in an RDBMS, it is possible for the database administrator to stop any access requested by authorized users. But permissions can be assigned to individual users taking into account the database activities they are intended to handle or undertake. This authorization is determined depending on the remote client IP address, which is combined with user authorization, which restricts access to selected computer systems.
Disadvantages of RDBMS
Cost
The expense of maintaining and even setting up a database system is relatively high and one of the drawbacks of relational databases. A special software is required for setting up a relational database and this could cost a fortune. For non-programmers, they would need to implement a number of products to set up this database. It might not be an easy task to update all the information and finally get the program running. For large firms with a need for a more vigorous database, it would be imperative that you get external help from an experienced programmer to build a relational database implementing SQL. Also, you would need to get a proficient and experienced relational database administrator to manage and control this database. No matter what data you use, it is required that you ingress it from other databases, including Excel spreadsheets or text files. But you can also enter the data via the keyboard. If you intend to store highly confidential information, 2 it is required that you secure your data against any kind of unauthorized access.
Managing Huge Volumes of Data
The complication in information is another shortcoming of relational databases. The data arranged within relational databases are based on common characteristics. Systems such as multimedia products, complicated images, numbers, and designs have a structure that can accommodate applications that are complex and are easily scalable.
Structured Limits
Relational databases impose limits on field lengths. While designing the database, it is necessary that you specify the data volume you intend to introduce within any field. Since some of the search queries are or might be precise than the original ones, this might lead to loss of data.
These are some of the advantages and disadvantages of RDBMS. Now, you have enough data to determine whether it is the best fit for your business needs.
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hi there,
Thank you for the easy and clear explanation. Very easy to follow and well structured too.
Very well appreciated!
Cheers