Data organization in a relational data model

A logical data schema (model) is in most cases based on a conceptual data scheme which, with the use of certain guidelines and rules, is transformed into a relational scheme (model). The main organization unit in a relational data model is the relation. A relation can be represented as a table but the definition of the relation is not necessarily equal to the definition of the table and vica versa.

Why use the relational model?

• Simplicity. Data in a relational model is represented through values that are structured with only one construct: the "relation".
• Classification. The relational model is based on mathematical fundamentals: the set theory.