In a relational database, what do rows and columns represent?

• A. Rows are records; columns are fields.
• B. Columns are fields.
• C. Rows are data types; columns are constraints.
• D. Rows are keys; columns are indexes.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that a table stores data as records and attributes. A row represents a single record or instance of the entity being stored—one complete set of values for that item. Each column defines a specific attribute or field of that entity, describing what kind of data goes in that position (such as name, age, or email). So a row gives the whole picture for one item, and each column specifies a particular piece of information about that item.

That’s why the statement that rows are records and columns are fields is the best fit. The other options mix up roles: columns do indeed hold the fields (attributes), but rows aren’t data types or constraints, and they aren’t primarily keys or indexes. They’re the individual records.