1. What Is Relational?

“Knowledge is the small part of ignorance that we arrange and classify.”

—Ambrose Bierce

Topics Covered in This Chapter

Types of Databases

A Brief History of the Relational Model

Anatomy of a Relational Database

What’s in It for You?

Summary

Before delving into the subject of SQL, we need to cover some general background information on the relational database. You’ll learn why the relational database was invented, how it is constructed, and why you should use it. This information provides the foundation you need to really understand what SQL is all about and will eventually help to clarify how you can leverage SQL to your best advantage.

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