A Level Computer Science OCR Practice Exam

How is a record defined in the context of databases?

1. A blueprint for creating database structures

2. A specific row of data containing all fields

3. An empty structure for storing future information

4. A field that does not contain any data

The correct answer is: A specific row of data containing all fields

In the context of databases, a record is defined as a specific row of data containing all fields associated with that particular entry. Each record comprises multiple fields, which are the individual pieces of data that make up the record. For example, in a database for a library, a record for a book would include fields such as the title, author, publication year, and ISBN number. This structure allows for the organization and retrieval of data in a meaningful way. The choice of a record being a specific row highlights the importance of each entry being distinct and comprehensive, encapsulating all relevant information that pertains to that particular item in the database. It reflects the way that relational databases are structured, with data organized in tables made up of rows (records) and columns (fields). The other options do not accurately represent what a record is. A blueprint for creating database structures refers more to database schema design. An empty structure for storing future information suggests an undefined or non-existent record, while a field that does not contain any data describes a nullable data element rather than a complete record. Understanding this distinction is crucial for working with databases effectively.