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Relational Algebra The Foundation of Database Queries

Relational algebra is a formal system that manipulates database tables and serves as the foundation for SQL, providing essential operations for data retrieval, combination, and modification. Key operations include selection, projection, union, set difference, and joins, each with specific syntax and practical applications. Its benefits extend to query optimization, database design, and data integration, ensuring data consistency and efficient execution of queries.

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12 views8 pages

Relational Algebra The Foundation of Database Queries

Relational algebra is a formal system that manipulates database tables and serves as the foundation for SQL, providing essential operations for data retrieval, combination, and modification. Key operations include selection, projection, union, set difference, and joins, each with specific syntax and practical applications. Its benefits extend to query optimization, database design, and data integration, ensuring data consistency and efficient execution of queries.

Uploaded by

Jagadeesh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Relational Algebra: The

Foundation of Database
Queries
Relational algebra is a formal system. It manipulates relations or tables in
a database. It forms the basis for SQL. It provides operations to retrieve,
combine, and modify data. It is essential for database design and
optimization.

MC by Manideekshith CH.
Core Relational Algebra
Operations
1 Selection (Ã)
Filters rows based on a condition. Example: Ã age>30 (Employees).

2 Projection (Ã)
Selects specific columns. Example: Ã name, salary (Employees).

3 Union (*)
Combines two relations with the same schema. Example:
Customers * Suppliers.

4 Set Difference (3)


Returns rows in the first but not the second. Example: Employees 3
Former_Employees.
Selection (Ã) in Detail
Syntax Condition Example Practical Use
Ãcondition(Relation) A Boolean expression à total_cost>100 (Orders) Filtering customer data for
involving attributes and targeted marketing
constants. campaigns.
Projection (Ã) in Detail
Syntax Eliminates Duplicates
Ãattribute1, attribute2, ... (Relation) Removes duplicate rows in the result.

Example Practical Use


à city (Customers) Extracting information for reporting or analysis.
Union (*), Set Difference (3)
with Examples

Union (*) Set Difference (3) Practical Uses


Relations must have A 3 B returns tuples in Data integration and
the same attributes. A but not in B. identifying
Example: Example: Customers - discrepancies.
New_Products * Ã customer_id
Current_Products. (Orders).
Cartesian Product (×) and Joins
Cartesian Product (×)
Generates all combinations.

Join
Combines related tuples.

Natural Join
Joins on attributes with the same name.

Example
Employees Departments.
Extended Relational Algebra Operations
Rename (Ã)
Renames a relation or attribute.

Generalized Projection (Ã)


Allows computations within the projection.

Aggregate Functions
Calculates summary statistics.
Benefits and Applications of Relational Algebra

Foundation for SQL Query Optimization


Formal basis for query languages. Allows efficient query execution.

Database Design Data Integration


Helps ensure data consistency. Provides tools for combining data.

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