What is a relational database?

A relational database is defined as a collection of data organized as a set of formally described tables. This structure is significant because it allows for the organization of data in a way that can be easily accessed, updated, and queried. Each table consists of rows and columns, where rows represent individual records and columns represent data attributes. Relationships between the tables are established through foreign keys, allowing for efficient data retrieval and manipulation.

The formal description of the tables includes definitions of their schemas, which detail the structure, data types, and constraints of the data they contain. This relational model is foundational to how relational databases operate, enabling users to perform complex queries and maintain data integrity.

The other options refer to different types of data management that do not fit the criteria of a relational database. For example, a single table lacks the structured relationships that define relational databases, while non-relational databases and document storage systems use different organizational principles that do not rely on the tabular structure or formal relationships between data.