Difference between DBMS vs RDBMS
Explore the difference between DBMS and RDBMS
What is DBMS?
A DBMS (Database Management System) is a software program that allows users to interact with a database in order to store, retrieve, and manipulate data. The DBMS serves as an interface between the database and the users or application programs. It enables users to create, modify, and maintain the database, as well as control access to the data. Some of the key features of a DBMS include data storage and retrieval, data validation, indexing, data security and Concurrency control, recovery and backup, and performance tuning. There are several types of DBMS, including relational, hierarchical, and object-oriented. Some of the most popular DBMS include MySQL, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server.
What is RDBMS?
RDBMS (Relational Database Management System) is a specific type of DBMS (Database Management System) that uses the relational model to store and manage data. In a relational model, data is organized into tables, with rows and columns, and relationships are established between tables through the use of keys. RDBMS uses SQL (Structured Query Language) for data manipulation, which is a standard language for relational databases. RDBMS also enforces referential integrity, which ensures that relationships between tables are maintained and that data is consistent. RDBMS also has the ability to handle complex queries and join multiple tables to retrieve data, it scales well and can handle large amounts of data and support increasing numbers of users and transactions. Some popular RDBMS include MySQL, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server.
DBMS vs RDBMS
DBMS (Database Management System) and RDBMS (Relational Database Management System) are both types of database management systems, but they have some key differences:
- Data model: A DBMS can use any data model, such as a hierarchical, network, or object-oriented model, while an RDBMS uses the relational model.
- Structuring: RDBMS stores data in tables, with rows and columns, and relationships are established between tables through the use of keys. A DBMS may use other structures, such as hierarchical or network, to store data.
- Data manipulation: RDBMS uses the SQL (Structured Query Language) for data manipulation, which is a standard language for relational databases. Other DBMS may use different languages or data manipulation techniques.
- Referential integrity: RDBMS enforces referential integrity, which ensures that relationships between tables are maintained and that data is consistent. Other DBMS may not have this feature.
- Query capability: RDBMSs have the ability to handle complex queries and join multiple tables to retrieve data, while other DBMSs may have limited query capabilities.
- Scalability: RDBMS can handle large amounts of data and support increasing numbers of users and transactions, while other DBMSs may have limited scalability.
In short, RDBMS is a specific type of DBMS that uses the relational model to store data, and it uses SQL for data manipulation, and it provides referential integrity, complex query capabilities, and scalability.
This table shows the comparison of DBMS and RDBMS.
DBMS | RDBMS |
---|---|
Can use any data model, such as hierarchical, network, or object-oriented | Uses the relational model |
Can store data in different structures, such as hierarchical or network | Stores data in tables with rows and columns |
Can use different languages or techniques for data manipulation | Uses SQL for data manipulation |
May not have the feature of referential integrity | Enforces referential integrity to maintain relationships between tables and ensure data consistency |
May have limited query capabilities | Has the ability to handle complex queries and join multiple tables to retrieve data |
May have limited scalability | Can handle large amounts of data and support increasing numbers of users and transactions |
Please note that this table is a summary of the main differences between DBMS and RDBMS, and it’s not an exhaustive list. Some DBMSs may have some features that are commonly found in RDBMS.

Further Reading
- Types of Data Models in DBMS
- Hashing in DBMS
- Functional Dependency in DBMS
- Referential Integrity in DBMS
- ACID Properties DBMS (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability)