What is a relational database?
A relational database is a database with relationships between its tables of records based on common fields.
Consider these two tables of records:
The first table called Pupils, stores the student records with basic information about the student. Each student has a unique Student Id.
This table, called Homework Results, stores student marks. The Student Code is equivalent to the Student Id. By knowing the Student Id we can find all the homework records for that particular student. The relationship between the two tables is based on the common Student Id field, even though they are slightly differently named.
Relationships can be established in another part of the Access database package by definition. The lines drawn from one table to another indicate the relationships present. Find the Pupil and Homework results tables to identify the link or relationship drawn between these two. The three other tables in this diagram are also in the database.
A relational database contains much more than simply records. It may contain several tables, related in some way, as you have seen. It also has facilities for the following:
| Queries | To search, sort or update or amend selected records in some way |
| Forms | To create a user friendly view of records |
| Reports | To produce printouts containing relevant data in suitable styles |
| Macros | To automate processes by adding commands |
A relational database is a general purpose package in that it allows complete applications to be built to specific requirements, e.g. personnel, booking systems, stock control, banking.