What distinguishes the relational model from other database models?

The relational model distinguishes itself from other database models through its use of tables to organise and structure data.

The relational model, developed by E.F. Codd in 1970, is a type of database model that organises data into one or more tables (or "relations") of rows and columns, with a unique key identifying each row. Rows in a table can be linked to rows in other tables by adding a column for the unique key of the linked row. This contrasts with other database models like the hierarchical model and the network model, which organise data into tree-like and graph structures, respectively.

One of the key features of the relational model is its basis on mathematical set theory. This allows for a high degree of data independence, meaning that the physical storage of data does not affect the logical view of the data. This is a significant advantage over other models, where changes in physical storage can necessitate changes in the logical view.

Another distinguishing feature of the relational model is its support for declarative queries, most notably SQL (Structured Query Language). This allows users to specify what data they want, rather than how to retrieve it. This is in contrast to other models, which often require procedural queries, where the user must specify how to retrieve the data.

The relational model also supports data integrity through the use of constraints. Constraints are rules that the data in the database must follow, and they can be used to enforce business rules and prevent the entry of invalid data. This is a feature that is not as robust in other database models.

Finally, the relational model is distinguished by its scalability and efficiency. It is capable of handling large amounts of data and complex queries, making it suitable for large-scale applications. This is in contrast to other models, which may struggle with large data sets or complex queries.

In summary, the relational model's use of tables, its basis on set theory, its support for declarative queries, its data integrity features, and its scalability and efficiency distinguish it from other database models.