In Oracle PL/SQL, what is a record data type, and how is a PL/SQL record used to group related fields together?

Introduction / Context:
PL/SQL records are important when you want to work with an entire row of data or a small group of related fields as a single unit. They provide a way to define custom structured types that mirror table rows or join results. This question asks what a PL/SQL record data type is and how it is used in programs.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are working in PL/SQL and need to manipulate multiple related values together.
• Tables have columns that represent related attributes such as employee id, name, and salary.
• There is a need for readable code that avoids separate variables for each column.
• Oracle supports both table based and programmer defined record types.

Concept / Approach:
A PL/SQL record is a composite data type that holds multiple fields, each with its own name and data type. You can define records based on table rows, cursor rows, or as standalone types with TYPE record_name IS RECORD. Records let you treat a grouped set of values as one variable, which simplifies passing data between procedures and handling query results. Accessing fields uses dot notation, such as rec.emp_name or rec.salary, which improves clarity compared with many separate variables.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Define a record type either using %ROWTYPE to copy a table or cursor structure, or by declaring TYPE my_record IS RECORD (id NUMBER, name VARCHAR2(50)); inside a PL/SQL block or package.Step 2: Declare a variable of that record type, for example emp_rec employees%ROWTYPE; or v_rec my_record.Step 3: Populate the record by selecting a row into it using SELECT columns INTO emp_rec FROM employees WHERE id = some value, or by assigning values to each field manually.Step 4: Access individual fields with dot notation, for example emp_rec.salary := emp_rec.salary * 1.1; to increase salary by ten percent.Step 5: Pass the record variable as a parameter to procedures or functions so that all grouped values move together in a single argument, matching the behaviour described in option A.

Verification / Alternative check:
In practice, using %ROWTYPE records for SELECT INTO statements significantly reduces code length and maintenance cost. If additional columns are added to the table, the record automatically expands to include them, which confirms that records are tied to row structures and are designed for grouping fields logically.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B confuses records with log files. Option C treats a record as a backup, which is unrelated. Option D calls a record an index, which is a different concept focused on query performance rather than variable structure.

Common Pitfalls:
One pitfall is assuming that records can be directly used in SQL statements, when usually individual fields must be referenced. Another is over defining many custom record types instead of reusing %ROWTYPE where appropriate. Careful design of record types helps create clear, maintainable PL/SQL programs that align closely with database schemas.

Final Answer:
A PL/SQL record is a composite data type that groups multiple related fields, each with its own name and type, into a single variable similar to a row of a table or a struct in other languages.