Question

A relation in a relational database is also known as:

• A. A data type
• B. An attribute
• C. A schema
• D. A table

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In the context of a relational database, a relation is known as a table. Here's why: 

• A relation in a relational database represents a collection of tuples, with each tuple having the same properties defined by a set of attributes. This is structurally equivalent to a table in database terminology.
• Tables are composed of rows and columns, where each row is akin to a tuple in the relational model, and each column corresponds to an attribute.
• The term schema refers to the overall design or structure of the database, which includes tables, but is not limited to them. It defines how data is organized and how relations among them are associated.
• Attributes are individual fields within a table's structure. They define the data held in a column but are not the whole relation.
• The concept of a data type specifies the kind of value that can be stored in an attribute or field within a table but does not describe a relation by itself.

Therefore, the correct answer is: A table.

Answer 2

A relation in a relational database is also known as a table.

(1) A data type: While a relation contains attributes with specific data types, the relation itself is more than just a data type.

(2) An attribute: An attribute is a column within a relation (table), but the relation is the entire table, not just one column.

(3) A schema: A schema is the overall design or structure of the database, encompassing multiple tables and their relationships.

(4) A table: A relation in a relational database is essentially the same thing as a table. It's a collection of rows and columns representing entities and their attributes.

Therefore, a relation in a relational database is also known as: (4) A table.