A Level Computer Science OCR Practice Exam

In context of databases, what does the term 'record' specifically refer to?

1. A collection of related tables

2. A single entry in the database containing fields

3. All the entries in a database

4. A list of database users

The correct answer is: A single entry in the database containing fields

In the context of databases, the term 'record' specifically refers to a single entry in the database that contains fields. A record is often structured as a row within a table, where each field in the record corresponds to a specific attribute or piece of data relevant to that entry. For example, in a database of student information, a record would include fields such as student ID, name, age, and grade, with each field representing a different aspect of the student's data. This definition emphasizes the individuality of a record, as it is distinct from a collection of records, which would more accurately be referred to as a dataset or a table. It also clarifies that a record does not encompass all entries in a database, which would involve multiple records collectively. Lastly, a record should not be confused with the concepts of database users or related tables, as these refer to broader organizational or access aspects rather than the singular concept of organized data entries.