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A relational database matches data by using common characteristics found within the data set. The...

A relational database matches data by using common characteristics found within the data set. The resulting groups of data are organized and are much easier for people to understand. For example, a data set containing all the real-estate transactions in a town can be grouped by the year the transaction occurred; or it can be grouped by the sale price of the transaction; or it can be grouped by the buyer's last name; and so on. Such a grouping uses the relational model (a technical term for this is schema). Hence, such a database is called a "relational database." The software used to do this grouping is called a relational database management system. The term "relational database" often refers to this type of software. Relational databases are currently the predominant choice in storing financial records, manufacturing and logistical information, personnel data and much more. Strictly, a relational database is a collection of relations (frequently called tables). Other items are frequently considered part of the database, as they help to organize and structure the data, in addition to forcing the database to conform to a set of requirements. The term relational database was