Relational Database Structure:

Relational database structure is a very simple form of organization of data that is based on each type of data having a classification or type (being part of a table) and being identified by a unique attribute (primary key). One can have entries in one table that refer to other entities by their ID. For example, the IRS categorizes your tax returns by your social security number--if they want to reference you, they can just reference a number, and then later look up all your other information. While the term relational database is very new, the underlying structure is nothing new; it has been in use for years before the invention of the computer.

Advantages of Relational Database Structure:

Relational Database Structure is primarily used for storing information. It is useful because it allows storage in a logically consistent way, and allows storing of complex relationships, while minimizing data duplication. Each entity is given a unique ID that does not change--it is easy to store this ID, and one can then refer to the entity by its ID. The only disadvantage is the lookup process involved.

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