Best Relational Databases - Page 13

SJ

Researched and written by Shalaka Joshi

This page was last updated on June 9th, 2025

Relational databases store and manage data in a traditional table format, with each piece of data organized into a row and a column. Columns hold the data of a single type or field, like first name, order number, or the image link of a product logo. Rows create the relationship between these data points. For example, rows can associate a first name to a last name and then to a user name, email address, and customer ID. Businesses use relational databases to maintain the data from their applications and ensure they always have access to critical customer information, product data, social data, and financial particulars like purchases, fulfillment, revenue, and expenses. These systems can range from desktop applications that create a small database on your machine to large enterprise-grade data stores. Almost all use a form of SQL as their query language, and most adhere to the ACID set of properties to ensure reliable transactions: atomicity, consistency, isolation, and durability.

Relational databases are generally chosen due to their simplicity in comparison to NoSQL databases, such as object-oriented databases, document databases, and graph databases. Those looking for a relational database solution with little budget also have options with free database software.

To qualify for inclusion in the Relational Databases category, a product must: