Comparison of Relational Algebra and Relational Calculus
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Relational Algebra and Relational Calculus
Relational Algebra and Relational Calculus are the formal query languages for a relational model. Both form the base for the SQL language which is used in most of the relational DBMSs. Relational Algebra is a procedural language. On the other hand, Relational Calculus is a declarative language. Relational Algebra and Relational Calculus can be further differentiated on many aspects, which I have discussed below with the help of a comparison chart.
| BASIS FOR COMPARISON | RELATIONAL ALGEBRA | RELATIONAL CALCULUS |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Relational Algebra is a Procedural language. | Relational Calculus is a Declarative language. |
| States | Relational Algebra states how to obtain the result. | Relational Calculus states what result we have to obtain. |
| Order | Relational Algebra describes the order in which operations have to be performed. | Relational Calculus does not specify the order of operations. |
| Domain | Relational Algebra is not domain dependent. | Relational Calculus can be domain dependent. |
| Related | It is close to a programming language. | It is close to the natural language. |