Analysis of Relational Databases - Essay Example

There are various models of developing databases but the one, which is in focus, in this case, is that to do with the relational database. This is the data model, which is mostly preferred when it comes to setting up and storing data as opposed to other models such as relational database models and the networked model. In the recent past. This model has been widely implemented in things such as the storage of financial records among others. The main reason why databases that take up this model are more on-demand is due to their relative ease of understanding. This is despite the fact that they are not very much efficient. The inefficiency, which is associated with this database model, is, however, covered up by the fact that computers that are in use in the present day are more powerful as compared to back then when the power in computing had not been realized.
Normalization

There is another aspect, which comes up when dealing with databases. This is to do with the normalization of data in the database. Normalization refers to that process through which the fields and the tables that are existent in a relational database are organized in an orderly manner for the purpose of minimizing the redundancies and inefficiencies that may arise. What happens, in this case, is that a large table may be decomposed into several smaller and less redundant tables. At the same time, the relationships that are present in these tables are further defined.

The main reason why the database can be broken down into several tables with relationships between them is for easy updating. In this case, the data is isolated so that a change in one area, in this case, the change is a deletion, modification or updating of data is done on only one table as opposed to all the tables in the database. The change, which is orchestrated on one table, is performed on all the tables that are in the relationship. The aspect of efficiency and reduced redundancy comes up in this case. The user is in a position to handle the data in the database in a more organized and easier manner. When it comes to normalization, there is the first normal form, the second normal form and the third normal form. The third normal form tables are usually the ones, which are majorly free from any anomalies, which may come up when handling data. The main reason why normalization is required is to make the database free from undesirable dependencies such as deletion and updating. It is also needed for the purpose of making the relational database model more informative to the average user.

Logical Database Design
This refers to the development of the database while defining the dependencies and relationships that may come up in the database. The data and information, which is gained in the process, is then arranged in a logical manner and transferred into those objects of storage, which are supported by the database. These storage objects in the case of a relational database refer to the tables into which there are rows and columns/

Physical Database Design
The physical design of the database is more concerned with the structuring of the data onto the storage space together with its configuration. There is a lot of detailed information, which is developed in the process. An example, in this case, is the definition of data elements and the indexing option among various others. More detailed specifications of the system are developed in this case. Examples, in this case, include the software and hardware specifications.

Structured Query Language
In the course of dealing with databases, there ought to be ways through which the database can be queried for the purpose of producing information that may be relevant to the user. This is where the development of queries comes in. These are tools, which are supposed to help the user come up with specific information from the database. There are various query tools but the one, which is in focus, in this case, is the Structured Query Language (SQL). The Structured Query Language is a rather easy language to use, as it is seen from its vast adoption for use all over the world. The first instance, which proves that this query language is rather easy to use, is due to the flexibility, which is associated with it. For example, several distributed databases can be supported through the use of this database query tool.

The other reason why it is depicted as being user-friendly is due to its diverse use. It has applications that are capable of adapting to many uses such as applications in the business industry. The standards, which apply to the query language, have gone through tremendous changes over the years. The result of this is the development of a Structured Query Language, which has even better functionality. There has been the development of various support mechanisms such as recursive queries, triggers and XMLs just to mention a few. In as much as the instructions in the SQL may be command line, they are divided into several elements, which include expressions, predicates, etc which make it easier for the user to handle. SQL is a rather easier language for a user who is already acquainted with its use.