Relational terminology mapping: In database theory and SQL practice, the word “table” is synonymous with which formal term?

Introduction / Context:
Relational databases have a precise vocabulary. Mapping common SQL terms to their theoretical counterparts helps avoid ambiguity, especially in normalization and dependency discussions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• SQL term “table” corresponds to a theoretical concept.
• “Row” and “column” also have formal names.

Concept / Approach:
“Relation” is the formal term for a table. A row is a “tuple,” and a column is an “attribute.”

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard texts (Date, Ullman, Ramakrishnan & Gehrke) use this mapping.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Record / field: Common in older file systems terminology.
Column / tuple: Refer to components of a relation, not to the relation itself.

Common Pitfalls:
Intermixing file-system and relational terms can obscure theoretical properties and constraints.

Final Answer:
relation.