Within a file or table, which item is defined as the collection of fields that together describe one entity (for example, one customer, one order, or one product)?

Introduction / Context:
Data modeling layers range from fields to records to files/tables and then to databases. Recognizing the role of each helps you design schemas and understand how applications store and retrieve business entities like customers or orders.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A field is the smallest named data element (e.g., last_name).
• A record groups fields that describe one entity instance (e.g., one customer).
• A file/table stores many records of the same type.

Concept / Approach:
A record (row/tuple) is a set of fields that collectively represent an instance of an entity. This is the standard terminology across hierarchical, network, and relational perspectives, even though specific labels (tuple/row) may differ in relational theory.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Any relational table shows the pattern: columns are fields; each row is a record describing a single entity instance.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• File: stores many records; too broad.
• Field: atomic attribute; too narrow.
• Document: not a standard database modeling primitive in classic relational terms.
• None: invalid because “Record” is correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing a file/table with a record, or a field with a record.

Final Answer:
Record