File organizations – terminology for zero-based record addressing The file structure that redefines its first record at a base of zero is referred to as:

Introduction / Context:
Data files can be organized in various ways. Relative (or direct) files address records by a relative number (RRN), enabling direct access via arithmetic on record numbers rather than by scanning sequential keys.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Records are addressed by a relative record number.
• The base may be conceptualized as zero (or one) depending on the system.
• The question emphasizes zero-based indexing semantics.

Concept / Approach:

Relative organization maps each record to a slot indexed by a relative number. Whether the first record is numbered 0 or 1 is an implementation detail; the defining feature is positional addressing rather than key comparisons. Hashing uses a hash function to compute an address from a key—related to direct access but different in terminology and mechanism. “Key fielding” and “dynamic reallocation” are not standard names for this structure.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

In VSAM RRDS or other relative file systems, applications reference records by RRN; some environments start at 0, others at 1, but the organization remains “relative.”

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Hashing derives addresses from keys; it is not just zero-based numbering. “Key fielding” and “dynamic reallocation” are not canonical terms for file organizations.

Common Pitfalls:

Equating hashing with relative addressing; assuming sequential access when the defining feature is direct indexing.

Final Answer:

relative organization.