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A relational database uses the traditional table format most people associate with database structures. Information gets stored and organized in rows and columns. Columns hold a singular data type of data field, such as a name, an invoice number, social security, and so forth. Rows, meanwhile, are used to create the relationship between the data points in columns. For instance, rows can associate a name column with a social security column and an invoice column.
For instance, a relational database might look like the following:
Name Social Security Invoice Number Jared Buyman 666-66-6666 8675309 Max Purchaser 777-77-7777 0123456
Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) are used by development teams, DevOps teams, and database admins to build, manage, and deploy applications on local systems and in the cloud. When looking for a relational database system, important features include:
Important features of Relational Database Software:
- Support for Developer APIs ·
- Scalability
- Security enhancements
- Speed
- Data integrity
- Vendor support
- Parallel computing and distribution
- Data capacity and storage
Top Relational Database Software for 2021
Below is a list of the best relational database software for 2021. The databases that made this list are not in any particular order. Nor is this list complete. The RDBMS are all chosen with a developer or development team in mind.
SQL Server Relational Database
SQL Server is Microsoft’s answer to relational database management systems. Developers may also know it as Microsoft SQL Server, MSSQL, and MS SQL as well. Microsoft SQL Server is compatible with many query languages, including ANSO-SQL and T-SQL. However, its main function – as is the case with all database applications, is for the storage – and retrieval – of data and information. It is used by many top organizations in the world, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield, BMW, and Samsung – to name but a few.
Benefits of SQL Server for Developers
SQL Server offers the following benefits for developers and database admins:
- Easy installation and configuration – no specific toolkit required.
- Increased data security – updates are fully automated. In addition, administration service provides added security features.
- Built-in data recovery and restoration features that include caching, scheduled backups, and log files.
- Better performance due to built-in data compression and encryption; developers do not need to tackle encryption tasks.
- Low cost of ownership thanks to data management, data mining, and disk partitioning tools.
- Cross-platform options. Run SQL Server on Azure SQL in the cloud, extend it to IoT devices or deploy on-premise.
Learn more about Microsoft SQL Server.
Oracle Database
Oracle Database is a multi-model relational database management system known for its use in Enterprise environments. It is known for its advantages to developers and database admins engaged in grid computing and data warehousing activities. It supports the use of SQL for querying. Oracle has one of the longest histories in the database management software field. With that longevity comes a level of vendor support and reliability database admins might not find in newer database offerings.
Benefits of Oracle Database for Developers
Below are just a few of the benefits of Oracle relational database software for developers:
- Multiple database support – Oracle offers the ability to create and manage multiple database instances on a single database server using instance caging for the management of CPU allocations.
- Real Application Clusters (RAC) databases ensure high data availability by taking advantage of tools like database scaling, load balancing, and data redundancy.
- Built-in failure recovery via the Oracle Recovery Manager (RMAN), which offers the ability to recover and restore database files in the event of an outage or other downtime. Continuous archiving, user-managed recovery, and online backups all help ensure data integrity.
Learn more about the benefits of Oracle Database for developers and DBAs.
Amazon RDS
Part of Amazon Web Services, Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS) is a cloud database solution that lets developers and DBAs deploy, set up, scale, and run databases in a cost-efficient, scalable environment. It is perfect for development teams that want to off-load tasks by automating common administrative duties such as hardware provisioning, patching, updating, and backups. Amazon RDS comes in a variety of flavors and database engines, featuring support for Amazon Aurora, Oracle Database, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MSSQL Server, among others.
Benefits of Amazon RDS for Developers and DBAs
Below are some of the most important benefits of Amazon RDS for developers and DBAs:
- Availability – Amazon RDS is incredibly reliable, in part because it shares the same infrastructure as Amazon Web Services. It has the ability to create redundant data from multiple databases instances across different availability zones, ensuring availability. Amazon Relational Database services also come with frequent backups, database snapshots, and perfunctory host replacement as built-in features.
- Scalability – Amazon RDS is highly scalable. Developer teams and DB admins can scale both compute and storage resources for databases with a few simple steps and without worrying about downtime.
- Speed – Amazon RDS service is pretty fast, thanks to the usage of SSD storage. You can opt for normal storage or a high-acting OLTP app-friendly version.
- Security – Amazon RDS is incredibly secure. They allow you to keep instances of your relational databases separate while also staying connected with an encrypted IPsec VPN. In addition, admins get to run DB instances in Amazon’s virtual private cloud (or VPC) so that they can control who can access a particular database and how they access it.
Learn more about Amazon Relational Database Services (RDS).
Google Cloud Platform
Not to be left out of the fray, Google offers its own suite of cloud services for relational databases via its Google Cloud Platform. For relational databases, Google’s Cloud SQL is a great choice, as it provides a fully managed relational database service for MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server. Like others in the space, it has a bevy of features dedicated to helping database admins secure data and ensure data integrity.
Benefits of Google Cloud for Developers and DBAs
Below are some benefits of Google Cloud SQL for developers and DBAs:
- Easily integrate with BigQuery, Compute Engine, and Kubernetes.
- Live migration of virtual machines
- Google Cloud is net carbon-neutral; all electricity used to run Google Cloud is matched with 100% renewable energy.
- Advanced security features backed by the same framework and security services that Google uses.
- Low learning curve and competitive pricing.
- Improved performance thanks to SSD persistent disks with IOPS performance
Learn more about Google Cloud services for relational databases.
Microsoft Azure SQL Database
Another cloud option – and another option from Microsoft – Azure SQL Database is a scalable, AI-powered relational database service that offers serverless compute and Hyperscale storage options that you can scale on demand. Like other options in its class, Azure SQL also has automated backups, updates, and provisioning. It also has continuous updates so that your databases always run on the latest version of SQL.
Benefits of Microsoft Azure SQL for Developers and DBAs
Below are some of the benefits of Microsoft Azure SQL for developers and database admins:
- Built-in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and High Availability to provide peal durability and a 99.9 percent uptime.
- AI-powered intelligent threat detection for advanced security.
- Highly scalable with a flexible, responsive serverless compute and Hyperscale storage solution. Compute scales automatically to optimize costs based on usage.
- Support for all popular platforms and languages, including .Net, Java, Python, Node.JS, Ruby, and PHP.
- Integrates with Azure DevOps and GitHub.
Learn more about the benefits and features of Azure SQL Database.
