Database Models

A database can use a relational or nonrelational model. The model you choose depends on how your application needs to store, organize, and retrieve data. It’s important to understand that the needs of the application determine the database model you choose, not the other way around.

Most of the technical differences between relational and nonrelational databases are beyond the scope of this book, but in this chapter, you’ll learn the major differences between the two.

Relational Databases

Relational databases have been around a long time, and even if you’ve never created or maintained one, you’re already familiar with its fundamental concepts. A relational database is analogous to a spreadsheet that contains columns and rows. In a relational database, columns are called attributes, and rows are called records. Both are stored in a table, and a database can contain multiple tables. Table 9.1 shows what a simple relational database table might...