As you know, the database is based on the collection of data stored in a structured format where we need DBMS (Database Management System) and RDBMS (Relational Database Management System) to manage the collection of the data. Why do we need to structure data? It is necessary for storing, managing, and retrieving the data whenever you need it. This article will explain the difference between DBMS and RDBMS, a head-to-head DBMS Vs RDBMS comparison in a tabular form.
From the early times of computer technology, the data had to be saved and arranged in tapes – rarely used in today’s world. The main problem with these tapes was the data’s inability to be re-read, so the database was born.
The database has since proven to be an essential and integral part of data storage. From time to time, the database usage increased and caused the technology DBMS and RDBMS’s birth. Both Database Management Systems and Relational Database Management Systems are very similar, and a non-tech person can’t differentiate them. However, we need to take a closer look at both technologies to understand them fully.
What is DBMS?
A DBMS is a technology solution used to store and manage information by implementing systematic approaches. It was introduced in the 1960s with efficient data manipulation options such as insertion, deletion, and update of data stored in the database. Still, it also provides defining and controlling options so that any business or individual can work closely with the databases and get their desired information more precisely.
What is RDBMS?
Relational Database Management System is also a DBMS that came into existence during the 1970s, but it has some advanced functionalities and allows organizations to access data more efficiently. It stores the data in a tabular form and is used to sort it into rows and columns, which are called tuples and tables.

DBMS Vs RDBMS: Comparison Table
Parameter | DBMS | RDBMS |
---|---|---|
Storage | It is used to store data as a file. | Same as DBMS, it stores data but in the form of tables. |
Structure | DBMS stores data in a navigational/hierarchical form. | RDBMS stores data in a tabular structure where the headers are the column names and the rows contain values |
No. of Users | DBMS only supports one at a time. | Multiple users can access it simultaneously. |
ACID | Data in a regular database may not be stored according to the ACID model which causes inconsistencies. | Relational databases obey ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) |
Program type | A program used to manage the databases on the system hard drives and computer networks. | It is a database system that maintains the relationships among the database tables. |
Hardware/software needed |
Low software & hardware requirements | Higher hardware & software requirements |
Integrity constraints | It does not support the integrity constraints. | It supports the integrity constraints at the schema level. |
Normalization | DBMS cannot be Normalized | RDBMS supports Normalization |
Distributed Databases | No support for distributed databases. | RBMS allows distributed databases. |
More suited for | DBMS system mainly deals with a small quantity of data because it can’t handle large amounts of data | RDMS is designed to handle a large amount of data and serve high amounts of data efficiently. |
Dr. E.F. Codd Rules | It may satisfy less than seven rules. | Satisfy 8 -10 rules |
Client-Server | It does not support client-server architecture. | Supports client-server architecture |
Data Fetching | The data fetching process is slower for the complex and large amount of data. | Data fetching is rapid because it uses a relational database approach. |
Data Redundancy | In DBMS, data redundancy is common. | Keys & indexes do not allow Data redundancy. |
Data Relationship | No relationship between data | Data is stored in tabular form, which is related to each other with foreign keys. |
Security | There is a lack of data security. |
Multiple levels of security because Log files are created at OS, Command, and object levels. |
Data Access | Data elements need to be accessed separately. | Data can be easily accessed using SQL queries, and multiple data elements can be accessed simultaneously. |
Examples | File system, XML, Windows Registry, etc. | MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server, etc. |
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altaf
it was a great blog thanks a lot