What term is used to describe databases that consist of hundreds of related tables?

The term "relational" describes databases that consist of hundreds of related tables, which is a hallmark of the relational database model. In this model, data is organized into tables (also known as relations) that can be linked, or related, based on shared data attributes. This enables complex queries and data management strategies, providing flexibility and efficiency in how data is stored and retrieved.

Relational databases use Structured Query Language (SQL) for managing and querying the data, allowing for diverse and sophisticated operations over the multitude of related tables. This design supports the normalization process, which helps minimize data redundancy and improve data integrity.

In contrast, hierarchical databases organize data in a tree-like structure, which limits the relationships between data points and can make complex queries more complicated. Distributed databases spread data across different locations or nodes, often complicating data management. Flat-file databases typically consist of a single table with no related tables, which limits their ability to manage complex datasets effectively. The ability to handle multiple interrelated tables effectively is what sets relational databases apart and makes them the preferred choice for many applications in today's data-driven landscape.