Relational Algebra in DBMS – A Practical Introduction

Updated on August 14, 2024

Article Outline

In the convoluted world of Database Management Systems (DBMS), relational algebra remains a timeless mainstay, providing a formal framework for handling relational data. Emerged from the trailblasing work of Computer Scientist Edgar F. Codd back in the 1970s, relational algebra has since then become an irreplaceable tool for database designers, software engineers, developers, and administrations alike. Relational algebra’s principles are rooted in set theory, empowering individuals to interact with databases efficaciously, revealing the power of data for analysis, decision-making, as well as innovation.

A Glimpse into a Relational Algebra

A procedural query language, relational algebra, is utilised to perform many different operations in relational databases. It consists of a set of operations enabling users to retrieve, manipulate, and handle data stored in relational databases. These operations are parallel to the normal operations of set theory, for example- union intersection and difference, along with more operations personalised for relational databases.

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 Types of Relational Algebra Operations

There are two different kinds of categorisations of Relational Operations in DBMS: basic and derived/advanced. These two provide a holistic set of tools for querying data in a database. 

 Basic Operations of Relational Algebra in DBMS

Here are two tables suitable for demonstrating relational algebra operations:

 

Table 1: PRODUCT

 

PRODUCT ID  NAME PRICE
1 Laptop 1500
2 Smartphone 800
3 Tablet 1200
4 Headphones 100
5 Camera 2000

 

Table 2: ORDER

 

ORDER ID CUSTOMER ID DATE
101 1001 2024-04-25
102 1002 2024-04-26
103 1003 2024-04-27
104 1004 2024-04-28
105 1005 2024-04-29

 

  • Selection (σ)

The selection operation recovers the row from a relation fulfilling a specific condition. For example, consider the table ‘PRODUCT’ having attributes, “PRODUCT ID, NAME, and PRICE. To select products with a price greater than 1000, 

Use the code: σ(PRICE>1000) (PRODUCT). 

 

Output:

 

Product ID NAME  PRICE
1 Laptop 1500
3 Tablet 1200
5 Camera 2000

 

  • Projection (π) 

The projection operation pulls out some specific columns (attributes) from a relation while dumping the rest. For instance, from table, ORDER, with attributes, ORDER ID, CUSTOMER ID, and DATE, to select only the ORDER ID and DATE columns, 

Use the code: π(ORDER ID, DATE) (CUSTOMER ID).

 

Output:

 

ORDER ID DATE
101 2024-04-25
102 2024-04-26
103 2024-04-27
104 2024-04-28
105 2024-04-29

 

  • Cartesian Product (×)

The Cartesian product operation merges every tuple of one relation with each tuple of the other relation, resulting in a new relation with all possible collaborations and mergers. For instance, to produce a relation with each possible pair of tuples from the PRODUCT and ORDER table, 

Use code: PRODUCT × ORDER

 

Output:

 

PRODUCT ID NAME PRICE ORDER ID CUSTOMER ID DATE
1 Laptop 1500 101 1001 2024-04-25
1 Laptop 1500 102 1002 2024-04-26
1 Laptop 1500 103 1003 2024-04-27
1 Laptop 1500 104 1004 2024-04-28
1 Laptop 1500 105 1005 2024-04-29
2 Smartphone 800 101 1001 2024-04-25
2 Smartphone 800 102 1002 2024-04-26
2 Smartphone 800 103 1003 2024-04-27
2 Smartphone 800 104 1004 2024-04-28
2 Smartphone 800 105 1005 2024-04-29
3 Tablet 1200 101 1001 2024-04-25
3 Tablet 1200 102 1002 2024-04-26

And so on…

 

  • Rename (ρ)

The rename operation is used to rename the attributes of a relation. for example,  to rename the PRICE attribute of the PRODUCT table to PRODUCT PRICE,

Use Code: ρ(PRODUCT PRICE ← PRICE) (PRODUCT) 

 

Output: 

 

PRODUCT ID NAME PRODUCT PRICE 
1 Laptop 1500
2 Smartphone 800
3 Tablet 1200
4 Headphones 100
5 Camera 2000

 

Now, let’s consider two other tables for understanding the use of Union, Intersection, and Difference operations.

 

Table 3: NOVEL

 

NOVEL NO. NAME AUTHOR
001 Jaws Henry
002 Raw Collins
003 You Morrison 
004 Done Twain 
004 Why Hemingway

 

Table 4: DRAMA

 

DRAMA NO. NAME AUTHOR
1 Heaven Salinger
2 Glory Collins
3 Death Morrison 
4 Weapon Henry
5 Hero Lee

 

  • Union (∪)

The union operation amalgamates tuples from two relations into a single relation while eliminating duplicates. For example, you want all the AUTHOR  from the NOVEL and DRAME tables, 

Use code: ∏ AUTHOR(NOVEL) ∪ ∏ AUTHOR(DRAMA)

 

Output:

 

AUTHOR
Henry
Salinger
Collins
Lee
Twain
Morrison
Hemingway

 

  • Intersection (∩)

The intersection operation gives back tuples appearing in both of the relations. For instance, you want the names that are present in NOVEL as well as in DRAMA relation,

Use Code: ∏ NAME(NOVEL) ∩ ∏ NAME(DRAMA)

 

Output:

 

AUTHOR
Collins
Morrison

 

 

  • Difference (−) 

 

Similar to intersection, the difference operation returns tuples that are in one relation but not in the other. For example, suppose you know the names of AUTHOR who are in DRAMA but not in NOVEL then,

 

Use Code: ∏ NAME(DRAMA)- ∏ NAME(NOVEL)

 

Output:

 

AUTHOR
Salinger
Henry
Lee

 

 Advanced Operations of Relational Algebra in DBMS

  • Aggregate Functions

Relational algebra supports aggregate functions such as SUM, AVG, COUNT, MIN, and MAX, allowing the summary statistics’ calculations on groups of tuples. 

  • Nested Queries

Relational algebra enables nested queries, where the outcomes of one query act as an input to another query, providing intricate data retrieval as well as manipulation.

  • Join (⨝)

The Join operation extracts and brings information from various tables by matching rows sharing a common field. There are various kinds of joins, including equi join, natural join, theta join, and outer join, and each of them serves specific purposes in database queries.

 Advantages of Relational Algebra in DBMS

Relational algebra proffers multiple advantages to justify its widespread utilisation in DBMS. Comprehending these can help users applaud the perks of using relational algebra in their database operations.

 

 The Perks

 

  • Strong Theoretical Foundation

It provides a set of well-defined rules and operators that form the basis for comprehending how relational databases work. This theoretical foundation makes learning, analysing, and optimising queries simpler.

  • Expressing Complex Queries

Relational algebra utilises a small set of operators, such as selection, projection, and join, to represent intricate data manipulation tasks. This enables users to break down complicated queries into easier steps, making them simpler to write and understand.

  • Query Optimisation

By comprehending how relational algebra operations work, database systems can optimise queries for faster execution. This is because- relational algebra exposes the underpinning logic of the query, enabling the system to select the most effective way to retrieve data.

 

Altogether, relational algebra provides an impactful and versatile tool for working with relational databases. It fosters clear thinking related to data manipulation and lays the groundwork for efficient query design and optimisation.

 Importance of Database Management

Acting as the theoretical foundation for relational databases, relational algebra influences the design, implementation, and optimisation of database systems. Comprehending relational algebra is imperative for:

  • Database Design 

Relational algebra supports database designers in normalising data and developing efficient relationships between tables, which leads to well-structured and maintainable databases. 

  • Data Manipulation

Database administrators and developers utilise relational algebra to perform and complete data manipulation tasks, incorporating querying, updating, and deleting data from databases.

  • Query Optimisation

Database frameworks utilise relational algebra to optimise query execution plans to ensure effective data retrieval and processing.

  • Data Integrity

Relational algebra ensures data integrity by enforcing constraints, like primary keys, foreign keys, and referential integrity, balancing out the consistency and accuracy of data in databases.

 

Relational algebra is pivotal for efficacious data management. Its well-defined approach allows interoperability, and it offers incentives for learning query languages. By utilising relational algebra, you can unlock the full power of your databases.

Conclusion

Oddly enough, relational algebra is the cornerstone of Database Management Systems, which provides a formal system for querying and manipulating relational data. Its operations develop building blocks of database systems, allowing efficient data retrieval, manipulation, and management. By diving deep into relational algebra, database professionals can design and develop vigorous databases, optimising query performance and ensuring data integrity and consistency to utilise the full potential of relational databases in a multitude of applications and industries.

 

If you are intrigued by relational algebra in Database Management Systems and willing to upscale your skill sets, look no further than Hero Vired’s Certificate Programme in Full Stack Development with Specialization for Web and Mobile.

FAQs
The division operation in relational algebra is utilised to pull out data satisfying a specific condition depending on a relation between tables. It finds the set of records from one table to records in another table. Thusly, it is almost similar to a logical division, and it’s precisely denoted by the ÷ symbol.
Normalisation is a way to set atomicity in your data. It omits data redundancy by breaking up intricate data structures into their logical building blocks. Also, it is one of the most popular relational algebras in DBMS practice questions, so ensure that normalisation is studied thoroughly.
Indexing includes the creation of specialised data structures to optimise data retrieval. It enables quicker search and retrieval of specific data based on indexed attributes. Algorithms such as B-trees and hash indexes are two of the most popular approaches to implementing indices.
Relational offers a formal framework for representing and manipulating data. It supports database designers in defining tables, building relationships and enforcing data integrity. Optimising the logical organisation of databases acts as a paramount for promoting effectiveness and accuracy in your database. Hence, it is one of the most crucial components of database modelling.

Updated on August 14, 2024

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