Understanding Tuples in Database Context
A tuple is a fundamental concept in relational databases, often referred to as a row of a table. Here’s a detailed explanation of why option 'C' is the correct answer:
Definition of a Tuple
- A tuple represents a single record in a relational database table.
- It consists of a set of attributes (or fields) that represent different pieces of data related to that record.
Structure of a Table
- A table in a database is structured in rows and columns.
- Each row in the table corresponds to a tuple, while each column represents an attribute of that tuple.
Characteristics of a Tuple
- Uniqueness: Each tuple in a table is unique and can be identified by a primary key.
- Fixed Size: The number of attributes in a tuple is defined by the schema of the table.
- Data Integrity: Tuples ensure that the data is organized and maintains integrity within the database.
Comparison with Other Options
- Option A (Column of a table): This refers to attributes of the tuples, not the tuples themselves.
- Option B (Two-dimensional table): While a table is two-dimensional, this term does not specifically define a tuple.
- Option D (Key of a table): A key is an attribute or a set of attributes used to identify tuples uniquely, but it is not a tuple itself.
- Option E (None of these): This is incorrect as option 'C' is indeed the right answer.
In summary, a tuple is defined as the row of a table in a relational database, containing unique sets of data that relate to a specific record. Understanding this concept is crucial for anyone studying database management and design.