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Databases Querying Relational Databases Database Normalization Database Normalization Review

Posted by Chet Gray
Chet Gray
15,624 Points

This "correct" answer for the meaning of "relational" in "relational database" is misinformed and misleading

This "correct" answer is misinformed and misleading. The "relational" in "relational database" is not a reference to tables being "linked -- or 'related' -- via fields that they have in common". It is a reference to the mathematical theory underpinning relational databases, the relational model, wherein tuples of data are grouped in "relations", also a reference to the terminology used in set theory. "Relations" of the relational model are realized as "tables" in relational databases. To teach that "relational"refers to tables being "related" by foreign key constraints is terribly misleading.

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,275 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,275 Points

I always just assumed the instructor was just explaining the practical impact of the term on database organization.

But if you feel there's an actual error in the course, you can make a bug report directly to the Support staff.