What is a relational database?

A relational database is defined by its unique structure that organizes data into tables, which can be related to one another through predefined relationships. This organization allows for efficient data retrieval and manipulation. Each table consists of rows and columns, where each row represents a record and each column represents a specific attribute of that record. The relationships between the tables, such as one-to-one or one-to-many, enable complex queries and facilitate data integrity. This makes relational databases particularly suitable for applications requiring structured data management, such as enterprise systems, customer relationship management, and more.

The other choices fail to accurately describe a relational database. For example, a database that stores data in a binary format does not necessarily imply a relational structure. Document-based databases represent a different approach, focusing on storing data in various formats like JSON or XML rather than tabular relationships. Lastly, a database used solely for storing text files does not align with the relational model and lacks the systematic organization that characterizes relational databases.