hierarchical database


hierarchical database

(database)A kind of database management system that linksrecords together like a family tree such that each record typehas only one owner, e.g. an order is owned by only onecustomer. Hierarchical structures were widely used in thefirst mainframe database management systems. However, dueto their restrictions, they often cannot be used to relatestructures that exist in the real world.

hierarchical database

A database organization method that is structured in a hierarchy. All access to data starts at the top of the hierarchy and moves downward; for example, from customer to orders, vendor to purchases, etc. Contrast with relational database and network database.