MySQL is one of the most popular and widely used relational database management systems (RDBMS) in the world. It is an open-source system that allows users to store, manage, and retrieve structured data efficiently. The term “relational” means that data is organized into one or more tables, where each table contains rows and columns, and relationships can be formed between these tables.
The primary language used to interact with a MySQL database is SQL (Structured Query Language). SQL allows users to perform various tasks such as inserting data into tables, updating or deleting existing data, and retrieving specific information based on certain conditions.
Who uses MySQL?
MySQL is used across industries by individuals, small businesses, startups, and large enterprises. Its flexibility, reliability, and open-source nature make it a favorite for many.
What is RDBMS?
Definition:
An RDBMS (Relational Database Management System) is software that stores data in tables made of rows and columns. Each table represents a specific entity (like students or products), and relationships can be created between them using keys.
It uses SQL (Structured Query Language) to manage, query, and manipulate data. RDBMS enforces data integrity through constraints like PRIMARY KEY, FOREIGN KEY, and NOT NULL. It follows the ACID properties (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) to ensure reliable and secure transactions.
Core Concepts:
- Relational: Data is organized in tables (relations) with rows and columns.
- Schema-Based: You define data types, constraints, and relationships between tables.
- SQL Language: Uses Structured Query Language (SQL) to interact with data.
- Data Integrity: Enforces rules using keys (primary, foreign), constraints, and normalization.
- ACID Compliance: Ensures Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability for transactions.
What is a Database Table?
- A database table is a structured format used to store data in rows and columns — much like an Excel sheet.
- Each row represents a single record, and each column holds a specific attribute or field of that record.
- For example, a students table might have columns like id, name, and age.
Tables are the basic units where data is stored in a database. - They allow easy insertion, updating, deletion, and retrieval of information using SQL queries.
What is a Relational Database?
- A Relational Database is a type of database that stores data in related tables using relationships.
- Each table is related to others using primary and foreign keys.
- For example, a students table may be linked to a courses table via student_id.
- The “relational” part means you can join and query across tables to get meaningful data.
- Relational databases follow a schema — a predefined structure — and use RDBMS software like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Oracle to manage the data efficiently.