What is a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS)?
A Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) can also be called a traditional database that uses a Structured Query Language (SQL) to provide access to stored data while insuring the integrity of the data. The data is stored in a collection of tables that is defined by relationships between data items. In addition, data permitted to be joined in new relationships. Traditional databases primarily process data through transactions called transaction processing.
Transaction processing is the methodology of grouping related business operations based predefined business events. An example of this can be seen when a person attempts to purchase an item from an online e-tailor. The business must execute specific operations for a related business event. In this case, a business must store the following information: Customer Info, Order Info, Order Item Info, Customer Payment Data, Payment Results, and Current Order Status.
Example: Pseudo SQL Operations needed for processing an online e-tailor sale.
Insert Customer into Customers
Insert New Order into Orders
Insert Each New Order Item into OrderItems
Insert Customer Payment Info into PaymentInfo
Insert Payment Processing Result into PaymentDetails
Update Customer for Current Order Status
Common Relational Database Management System
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft Access
Oracle
MySQL
DB2
It is important to note that no current RDBMS has fully implemented all of the Relational Principles.
Common RDBMS Traits
Volatile Data
Supports Transaction Processing
Optimized for Updates and Simple Queries
