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PEARSON BTEC INTERNATIONAL LEVEL 3 YEAR EXTENDED DIPLOMA IN

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
CENTRE: KING DAVID ACADEMY
UNIT 2: CREATING SYSTEMS TO MANAGE INFORMATION
ASSESSOR: RICHARD MWENEDATA
STUDENT: KABAGEMA NASLI
A.P1 Explain how the features of a relational database are used for
database management.
Introduction
Relational databases offer a structured and ordered way to store, retrieve,
and alter data, making them an essential part of many software systems.
They are based on the relational model, which E.F. Codd first presented it in
1970 and which has subsequently gained widespread acceptance as a
database paradigm. This response will describe the aspects of a relational
database and assess how they are applied and contribute to the solutions in
the end.
Data model
Any relational database's cornerstone is its data model, which uses tables,
columns, and relationships to define the data's structure. Effective data
retrieval and manipulation are made possible by the data model, which
enables the logical structure of data based on real-world entities and
connections.
Tables and columns
Tables, which are composed of rows and columns, are the fundamental
components of a relational database. Rows are individual records or
instances of those qualities, and columns are the many attributes or
properties of the table. Data may be arranged clearly and consistently with
the help of this framework, making searching and manipulation more
effective.
Primary keys
In order to guarantee that every row in a table can be uniquely identified
and referenced by other tables, primary keys are unique identifiers allocated
to each record in the table. This feature makes it possible to create
relationships between tables, which results in a coherent and integrated
data model.
Relationship
The fundamental component of the relational model is relationships, which
enable the connection of several tables using primary keys or common
properties. One-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many partnerships are
the three main categories of relationships. Relationships make it possible to
normalise data, which lowers redundancy and enhances overall data
integrity.
sql(structured query language)
With its standard set of commands for maintaining, updating, and querying
data, SQL is a potent language for interacting with relational databases.
With SQL, developers can effectively obtain and manipulate data while
keeping database management and application logic distinct from one
another.
Normalisation
The procedure of normalisation is used to arrange data in tables so as to
reduce duplication and enhance data integrity in general. Normalisation
lessens the chance of anomalies or inconsistencies in the database by
dividing large tables into smaller ones based on functional requirements. It
also makes queries simpler by eliminating the need for intricate joins or
subqueries.
Constraints
Rules known as constraints control the entry and modification of data in a
table or database. Primary key constraints, foreign key constraints, check
constraints, and not-null constraints are a few examples of these guidelines.
The database level enforcement of these constraints ensures data integrity
even in the event of malicious attacks or application failures.
A.M1 Analyse how the features of a relational database contribute to
a final solution for database management.
Features and functions of relational databases
Relational databases are designed to efficiently store and handle data by
arranging data into tables with rows and columns. In many applications,
relational databases' characteristics and capabilities play a major role in
delivering a solution. Here are a few essential attributes and capabilities:
Data integrity: Relational databases provide high levels of data integrity
even in situations where numerous users or applications interact with the
same dataset by using primary keys, foreign keys, constraints, and
normalisation procedures. This guarantees that throughout their operation,
apps may rely on reliable and consistent data.
Data relationship: Using foreign keys to create relationships between
tables is one of the core features of relational databases. This capability
makes it possible to create intricate data structures and to query and
retrieve associated information efficiently, both of which are essential for
creating all-encompassing solutions.
Structured query language (SQL): SQL is the common language for
communicating with relational databases. Strong features for managing,
retrieving, and manipulating data are offered by SQL. Because of SQL's
flexibility, developers may work with data in a variety of ways to create
strong solutions.
Normalisation: Relational databases improve data integrity and remove
redundancy by adhering to normalisation rules. Normalisation improves
data storage and retrieval efficiency and leads to more efficient solutions by
segregating data into distinct tables and minimising duplication.
ACID properties: To guarantee transactional consistency and
dependability, relational databases abide by the ACID (Atomicity,
Consistency, Isolation, Durability) criteria. These characteristics add to the
overall robustness of the finished solution by ensuring that database
transactions are performed consistently even in the case of errors.
In conclusion, the features and functions of relational databases play a
crucial role in contributing to a final solution by providing a reliable,
efficient, and secure platform for storing and managing data. From ensuring
data integrity and relationships to supporting powerful querying capabilities
and transactional consistency, relational databases offer a comprehensive
set of tools that enable developers to build sophisticated solutions that
meet diverse business requirements.

A.D1 Evaluate how the features and functions of a relational database

contribute to a final solution of database management.
A relational database is a type of database that stores data in a structured
format, using tables to organise information into rows and columns. This
structure enables the database to efficiently manage and retrieve data,
making it a popular choice for many applications. Here are some of the key
features of a relational database and how they are used for database
management:
Tables
In a relational database, data is organised into tables, which are made up of
rows and columns. Each row in a table represents a single record, while each
column represents a specific field or attribute of that record. For example, a
table of employees might have one row for each employee, with columns
for their name, employee ID, hire date, and department.
Primary keys
A primary key is a unique identifier for each record in a table. This ensures
that each record can be easily retrieved and updated without confusion.
Primary keys are often used as the basis for relationships between tables, as
they provide a consistent way to link records together
Relationships
Relational databases allow for the creation of relationships between tables,
enabling data to be organised and accessed in a more flexible way. There
are several types of relationships that can be established between tables,
including:
One to one: In this type of relationship, one record in one table is
associated with only one record in another table. For example, an employee
might have only one job title.
One to many: In this type of relationship, one record in one table is
associated with multiple records in another table. For example, one
department might have many employees.
Many to many: In this type of relationship, multiple records in one table
are associated with multiple records in another table. For example, an
employee might work on multiple projects, and each project might have
multiple employees working on it.
Queries
Queries are used to retrieve specific data from a relational database. A
query can be thought of as a question that the database system answers by
searching through the data stored in the tables. Queries can be used to filter
data based on specific criteria, join data from multiple tables together, and
sort data in a particular order.
Database management software
Database management software (DBMS) is used to create and manage
relational databases. DBMS software provides a user-friendly interface for
creating tables, defining primary keys and relationships, and running
queries. It also provides tools for managing security, performance
optimization, and data backup and recovery. Some popular DBMS software
includes MySQL, Oracle Database, Microsoft SQL Server, and PostgreSQL.
references
https://www.salesforce.com/eu/blog/what-is-a-relational-database/
https://www.oracle.com/database/what-is-a-relational-database/
https://www.techtarget.com/searchdatamanagement/definition/RDBMS-
relational-database-management-system
https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-features-of-a-relational-database
https://cloud.google.com/learn/what-is-a-relational-database
https://www.chegg.com/homework-help/questions-and-answers/analyse-
features-relational-database-contribute-final-solution-database-
management-q83633857
https://www.ibm.com/topics/relational-databases