The various database models

Databases appeared in the late 1960s, at a time when the need for a flexible information management system had arisen. There are five models of DBMS, which are distinguished based on how they represent the data contained:

• The hierarchical model: The data is sorted hierarchically, using a downward tree. This model uses pointers to navigate between stored data. It was the first DBMS model.
  
• The network model: like the hierarchical model, this model uses pointers toward stored data. However, it does not necessarily use a downward tree structure.
  
• The relational model (RDBMS, Relational database management system): The data is stored in two-dimensional tables (rows and columns). The data is manipulated based on the relational theory of mathematics.
  
• The deductive model: Data is represented as a table, but is manipulated using predicate calculus.
• The object model (ODBMS, object-oriented database management system): the data is stored in the form of objects, which are structures called classes that display the data within. The fields are instances of these classes
  

By the late 1990s, relational databases were the most commonly used (comprising about three-quarters of all databases).

Last update on Thursday October 16, 2008 02:43:13 PM.This document entitled « DBMS models » from Kioskea (en.kioskea.net) is made available under the Creative Commons license. You can copy, modify copies of this page, under the conditions stipulated by the licence, as this note appears clearly.