Relational vs. Non-Relational Database: The Difference Explained
December 6, 2023
Article · 6 min read
Instructors: Gerald Balekaki
Instructor ratings
We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.
2,050 already enrolled
Included with
(23 reviews)
Recommended experience
Beginner level
Some experience programming computers is recommended.
(23 reviews)
Recommended experience
Beginner level
Some experience programming computers is recommended.
Describe what relational databases are, and how they are used.
Master the Relational Database Model.
Demonstrate comprehensive SQL skills.
Add to your LinkedIn profile
21 assignments
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
Database management systems are a crucial part of most large-scale industry and open-source systems. This course will introduce you to important concepts of database systems and design. We will learn what relational databases are, what they are used for, the theory underlying their design, and how to query and modify a database using the declarative SQL language.
At the end of the course, you will be able to: - Describe what relational databases are, and how they are used. - Master the Relational Database Model. - Demonstrate proficiency in formal relational database theory. - Demonstrate comprehensive SQL skills. - Apply database knowledge to practical problems. Software Requirements: Jupyter Notebooks, SQL
Welcome to Introduction to Relational Databases! In this course, we will cover the topics of: Database Overview, Relational Algebra, SQL. This learning module provides a comprehensive introduction to relational databases, their applications, and components. Starting with an introduction to databases and their diverse applications, the module discusses the components of relational database schemas, including relations, attributes, and keys. Students will learn to design simple database schemas and understand key database concepts such as records, data retrieval and modification, and primary/foreign keys. The module includes real-world examples for practical understanding.
7 videos9 readings6 assignments1 discussion prompt
This learning module explores the fundamental concepts and operations of relational algebra, the theoretical foundation of relational databases. It introduces basic relational algebra concepts such as 'relation', 'tuple', and 'operation', and then dives into fundamental relational algebra operations, including selection, projection, and union. Students will also learn about more advanced operations like joins and division, expanding their understanding of how complex data relationships can be managed. Further, the module will cover composite and aggregation operations to handle more intricate data manipulations, as well as operations for modifying relations. This module gives students a firm theoretical foundation to work with relational databases.
7 videos5 readings6 assignments
This learning module provides an in-depth understanding of SQL (Structured Query Language), the standardized language used for managing relational databases. Starting with the fundamentals, students will learn to utilize SELECT and set operations to extract relevant information from database tables. The module then transitions into more complex queries involving joins, enabling students to locate and amalgamate information from multiple database tables. It further delves into modifying database tables, defining their structures, creating referential integrity constraints to maintain database consistency, and controlling user database access via SQL commands. Learning SQL will equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and manipulate data in relational databases .
12 videos6 readings8 assignments
This module contains the summative course assessment that has been designed to evaluate your understanding of the course material and assess your ability to apply the knowledge you have acquired throughout the course. Be sure to review the course material thoroughly before taking the assessment.
1 assignment
We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.
Instructor ratings
We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.
Illinois Tech is a top-tier, nationally ranked, private research university with programs in engineering, computer science, architecture, design, science, business, human sciences, and law. The university offers bachelor of science, master of science, professional master’s, and Ph.D. degrees—as well as certificates for in-demand STEM fields and other areas of innovation. Talented students from around the world choose to study at Illinois Tech because of the access to real-world opportunities, renowned academic programs, high value, and career prospects of graduates.
Course
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Course
This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by Illinois Tech. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by Illinois Tech. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
Illinois Tech
Degree · 12-15 months
¹Successful application and enrollment are required. Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the number of credits recognized by completing this content that may count towards degree requirements, considering any existing credits you may have. Click on a specific course for more information.
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.