Database Reference
In-Depth Information
The Relational Model
This chapter introduces you to the fundamental principles and concepts upon which
subsequent chapters will be built. Discussion advances under the following captions:
•
Basic Concepts
•
Domains
•
Relations
•
Relational Database System
•
Identifying, Representing and Implementing Relationships
•
Relation-Attributes List and Relationship List
•
Non-relational Approaches
•
Summary and Concluding Remarks
3.1 Basic Concepts
The relational model is by far the most widely used model for database design. The model
owes its success to the fact that it is firmly founded on mathematical principles (set theory
and linear algebra) which have been tested and proven; like the underlying principles, the
model itself has been tested and proven oven the years. Before we can proceed, there are
some fundamental concepts to be introduced (Figure
3-1
):