Record

Definition

In data processing, a record is a collection of related data items that are treated as a single unit. Each record contains multiple fields, where each field holds one piece of data. Typically, records are stored as rows in a database table and each field as a column.

Examples

Here are several examples of records in data processing:

1. Employee Record:

   • Fields: Name, Social Security Number, Address, Department, Salary
   • Example:

     {
       "Name": "Jane Doe",
       "Social Security Number": "123-45-6789",
       "Address": "123 Elm St, Springfield, IL",
       "Department": "Engineering",
       "Salary": "$75,000"
     }
     

2. Product Record:

   • Fields: Product ID, Product Name, Price, Quantity, Category
   • Example:

     {
       "Product ID": "001",
       "Product Name": "Laptop",
       "Price": "$999",
       "Quantity": "50",
       "Category": "Electronics"
     }
     

3. Library Book Record:

   • Fields: ISBN, Title, Author, Publication Year, Genre
   • Example:

     {
       "ISBN": "978-3-16-148410-0",
       "Title": "In Search of Lost Time",
       "Author": "Marcel Proust",
       "Publication Year": "1913",
       "Genre": "Fiction"
     }
     

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between a record and a file?

• Record: A record is a single unit containing multiple related fields.
• File: A file is a collection of records stored together.

How are records utilized in databases?

Records in databases are typically stored as rows in a table. Each row (record) contains multiple columns (fields) that store specific data elements related to that record.

What is the structure of a record?

The structure of a record typically includes various fields, each of which stores one piece of data. The fields can vary depending on the type of record.

Can records be nested within other records?

Yes, records can be nested within other records. In this case, a field in the primary record may contain another record as its value.

How are records accessed in a database?

Records in a database are accessed using queries, typically written in SQL (Structured Query Language), where specific criteria retrieve the desired records.

Related Terms with Definitions

1. Field: An individual element of data in a record. For example, ‘Name’ or ‘Salary’ in an employee record.
2. File: A collection of records stored together that share a certain structure or purpose.
3. Database: An organized collection of data, typically in digital form, that allows for easy access, management, and updating.
4. Table: In the context of databases, tables store data and are composed of rows and columns, where each row represents a record and each column represents a field.
5. Primary Key: A unique identifier for each record in a table which allows for efficient data retrieval and organization.

Online References

• W3Schools - SQL Tutorial
• Khan Academy - Introduction to Databases
• Investopedia - Database Definition

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. “SQL in 10 Minutes, Sams Teach Yourself” by Ben Forta
2. “Database System Concepts” by Abraham Silberschatz, Henry F. Korth, and S. Sudarshan
3. “Fundamentals of Database Systems” by Ramez Elmasri and Shamkant B. Navathe
4. “Head First SQL: Your Brain on SQL – A Learner’s Guide” by Lynn Beighley

Fundamentals of Record: Data Processing Basics Quiz

Thank you for exploring the concept of records in data processing! Continue delving into this vast field to improve your knowledge and skills in data management.