Relational databases

The primary difference between relational and non-relational databases is the way data is stored. Relational databases were not the first architectures to be implemented; those based on single (and then multiple) indices and values preceded them. As we will see later, they are making something of a comeback with the constraints of handling large datasets.

Relational data is tabular by nature and hence stored in tables with rows and columns. Tables can be related to one another and cooperate in data storage as well as swift retrieval.

Data storage in relational databases aims for higher normalization, breaking up the data into the smallest possible logical tables (related) to prevent duplication and gain tighter space utilization.

While normalization of data leads to cleaner data management, it often adds a little complexity, especially to data management, where a single operation may have to span numerous related tables. Since the databases are on a single...