Hierarchical and relational database models each have their own merits and demerits. Hierarchical databases are best for mission critical applications where data structure relationships are predefined, offering faster access times. However, their call structures can become complex and have referential integrity issues. Relational databases are better suited for unstructured or scientific data where relationships are unknown until runtime, providing flexibility through SQL queries but requiring more I/O processing and having a more complex design.

1. Hierarchical Vs. RDBMS
Databases
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2. Hierarchical data base
Merits
Best used for mission critical work and for that
which requires the utmost in Data structure
performance.
Relationships are predefined having access
paths distinct and ready to use by the application.
Careful design and known entity relations are an
advanced requirement. Huge DBA role is
involved

3. Cont.
Having an existing mapped out roadway to
navigate data structures offers the ultimate in
speed accessing data.
CALL structure syntax to access data can
become complex
De-merits
1. Referential integrity problems
2. Complex for call optimization

4. RDBMS
Merits
Best used for decision support and where application
efficiency might be and unknown. This data is best used
for engineering and scientific work where large,
unstructured data is required.
In this design, relationships of data structures are not
known until runtime. Data elements are joined during
database calls producing on-the-fly result sets for
immediate analysis.
The relational query syntax known as Structured Query
Language(SQL) provides for a flexible means to form
these database calls being an industry standard for the
implementation of the relational model.

5. Cont.…
Query optimization is better known for
optimization
There will be no referential integrity problems
De-merits
1. More i-O is required to process the data
2. More complex in design

6. Thank You
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