Difference between DBMS and RDBMS
Richard Peterson August 25, 2022
In this RDBMS vs DBMS tutorial, we will learn about main RDBMS and DBMS difference. But
before that, let’s learn:
What is DBMS?
A DBMS is a software used to store and manage data. The DBMS was introduced during 1960’s to
store any data. It also offers manipulation of the data like insertion, deletion, and updating of the
data.
DBMS system also performs the functions like defining, creating, revising and controlling the
database. It is specially designed to create and maintain data and enable the individual business
application to extract the desired data.
What is RDBMS?
Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) is an advanced version of a DBMS system. It
came into existence during 1970’s. RDBMS system also allows the organization to access data
more efficiently then DBMS.
RDBMS is a software system which is used to store only data which need to be stored in the form
of tables. In this kind of system, data is managed and stored in rows and columns which is known
as tuples and attributes. RDBMS is a powerful data management system and is widely used
across the world.
KEY DIFFERENCE
DBMS stores data as a file whereas in RDBMS, data is stored in the form of tables.
DBMS supports single users, while RDBMS supports multiple users.
DBMS does not support client-server architecture but RDBMS supports client-server
architecture.
DBMS has low software and hardware requirements whereas RDBMS has higher
hardware and software requirements.
In DBMS, data redundancy is common while in RDBMS, keys and indexes do not allow
data redundancy.
Difference between DBMS and RDBMS
DBMS vs RDBMS: Difference between DBMS and RDBMS
The below table demonstrates the main difference between RDBMS and DBMS:
Parameter DBMS RDBMS
Storage DBMS stores data as a file. Data is stored in the form of tables.
RDBMS uses a tabular structure where the
Database DBMS system, stores data in either a
headers are the column names, and the rows
structure navigational or hierarchical form.
contain corresponding values
Number of
DBMS supports single user only. It supports multiple users.
Users
In a regular database, the data may Relational databases are harder to construct,
not be stored following the ACID but they are consistent and well structured.
ACID
model. This can develop They obey ACID (Atomicity, Consistency,
inconsistencies in the database. Isolation, Durability).
It is the program for managing the
It is the database systems which are used for
Type of databases on the computer
maintaining the relationships among the
program networks
tables.
and the system hard disks.
Parameter DBMS RDBMS
Hardware and
software Low software and hardware needs. Higher hardware and software need.
needs.
RDBMS supports the integrity constraints at
DBMS does not support the integrity
Integrity the schema level. Values beyond a defined
constants. The integrity constants
constraints range cannot be stored into the particular
are not imposed at the file level.
RDMS column.
DBMS does not support
Normalization RDBMS can be Normalized.
Normalization
Distributed DBMS does not support distributed RBMS offers support for distributed
Databases database. databases.
Ideally suited DBMS system mainly deals with RDMS is designed to handle a large amount
for small quantity of data. of data.
Dr. E.F. Codd Dbms satisfy less than seven of Dr.
Dbms satisfy 8 to 10 Dr. E.F. Codd Rules
Rules E.F. Codd Rules
DBMS does not support client-server
Client Server RDBMS supports client-server architecture.
architecture
Data fetching is slower for the Data fetching is rapid because of its relational
Data Fetching
complex and large amount of data. approach.
Data Data redundancy is common in this Keys and indexes do not allow Data
Redundancy model. redundancy.
Data is stored in the form of tables which are
Data
No relationship between data related to each other with the help of foreign
Relationship
keys.
Multiple levels of security. Log files are
Security There is no security.
created at OS, Command, and object level.
Data can be easily accessed using SQL query.
Data elements need to access
Data Access Multiple data elements can be accessed at
individually.
the same time.
Examples of DBMS are a file system, Example of RDBMS is MySQL, Oracle, SQL
Examples
XML, Windows Registry, etc. Server, etc.
