Relational Database: Through History

Before the introduction of computer databases, the organization of records existed in inefficient files hidden in file cabinets that took up a lot of space and proved difficult to navigate. The rapid growth in the use of databases began with an enormous need to transition to a more efficient way of storing records. Most companies have transitioned to storing information in databases over paper file records. The first computer database designed by Charles Bachman in the 1960s provided simple operations that organized digital files in a similar way to its predecessor: the file cabinet system. The search function revolutionized databases in the 1970s with the development of relational databases. Relational databases provided an inexpensive solution to the file cabinet dilemma. SQL enabled developers to communicate with relational databases improving the functionality and transforming databases into a standard process that allows databases to be successfully adopted commercially. The creation of functional database systems that quickly integrated into common programming languages revolutionized a developer's ability to view data as an object in the 1980s with object-oriented databases.

In the 1990s, the internet became a vital part of everyday life, increasing the popularity and need for relational databases. With every new website and internet company came a need to store customer and company information at a reasonable price. MySQL broadened this divide in 1995 by providing a free relational database system. According to DB-Engines, MySQL still dominates the database playing field even today. In 2003, the creation of WordPress enabled non-software developers to publish content on the web. According to W3Techs.com, 43.2% of websites on the internet today are WordPress sites. WordPress customers stay with MySQL because it's standard with WordPress. Time is money, and out-of-the-box WordPress and MySQL are ready to go. 

The rapid growth in the use of databases illustrates the ever-changing role of software development in the world. DB-Engines growth identifies the continued popularity of relational databases: "In May 2007, over 80% of database management systems were relational databases." DB-Engines suggests that despite NoSQL, relational databases dominate the playing field as they have transitioned and grown with time without adopting the added expense that NoSQL brings to the table. 

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