What is a relational database? | Algolia

Databases are crucial for businesses as they store, sort, and share data. Relational databases, invented in 1970 by E.F. Codd, organize information to recognize connections between different data types. They consist of tables with rows storing unique data and a primary key defining the table's information. Structured Query Language (SQL) enables users to query relational databases for specific data points. Relational databases are more flexible than hierarchical ones, allowing records from one table to be linked to information in other tables. They offer benefits such as quick information gathering, high accuracy and integrity, single records of unique information, and strong security features. Algolia's search API is schema-less, offering flexibility in organizing data for efficient searching.