In relational terminology, a row of a table is synonymous with which term?

Database The Relational Model and Normalization Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    record.
  • B
    relation.
  • C
    column.
  • D
    field.

Answer

Correct Answer: record.

Explanation

Introduction / Context:Different database communities use slightly different terms. Knowing standard synonyms helps when reading documentation and exam questions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • A table consists of rows and columns.
  • Each row represents a single tuple, which is a set of attribute values.
  • Legacy terminology often calls a row a record and a column a field.

Concept / Approach:In classical relational theory, a row is a tuple. In many practical database texts and tools, the same thing is called a record. A column is an attribute or field.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify that the question wants the synonym used in practice.Row corresponds to tuple; common SQL tools label it as a record.Select the option that matches this common synonym.

Verification / Alternative check:Check user interfaces of DBMS tools: they typically speak of records (rows) and fields (columns).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Relation is the entire table, not a row.
  • Column or field refers to attributes, not tuples.

Common Pitfalls:Mixing up field and record; remember field equals column, record equals row.

Final Answer:record.

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