What defines a relational database?

A relational database is defined as a type of database that organizes data into tables, also known as relations, which can be linked—or related—to each other through the use of foreign keys, indexes, and other relational attributes. Each table consists of rows and columns where the rows represent records and the columns represent attributes of the data.

The strength of a relational database lies in its capability to facilitate complex queries that can pull data from multiple tables based on specific relationships, ensuring data integrity and supporting efficient data management. The Structured Query Language (SQL) is commonly used to interact with relational databases, making it easy to retrieve, manipulate, and manage the data.

Other options are not representative of the foundational principles of a relational database. For example, a database that only holds spatial data would not encompass the broader definition of relational databases which can store various data types. Similarly, a flat-file database format pertains to a single table structure, lacking the inherent relationships that define a relational database. Lastly, a database that does not store relationships contradicts the essential characteristic of relational databases, which is fundamentally about establishing and managing relationships between different data entities.