Question

The columns of a relation represents __________.

• A. Tuple
• B. Schema
• C. Attribute
• D. Domain

Hint:

Remember these synonyms for database exams:
- Row = Tuple = Record
- Column = Attribute = Field
- Table = Relation

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify what the columns in a relational database table (relation) represent in standard relational model terminology.

Step 2: Relational Model Key Terms:
- Relation: A table consisting of rows and columns.
- Tuple: A single row in a table representing a single data record.
- Attribute: A named column in a table representing a property or characteristic of the entity.
- Domain: The set of allowable values for a given attribute.
- Schema: The structural design of the database (table names, column names, and data types).

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
- In the relational database model proposed by E.F. Codd:
- A table represents a set of related data.
- Each column represents a specific property or feature of the data, which is formally defined as an Attribute.
- For example, in a Student table, columns like RollNo, Name, and Age are attributes that describe each student.
- Therefore, the columns of a relation represent attributes.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The columns of a relation represent Attributes.
Hence, option (C) is the correct choice.