Table

A database table is the core structure used to store data in a relational database. Think of it as a grid or spreadsheet where each row represents a record and each column represents a field or attribute of that record.

Anatomy of a Table

• Rows: Each row (also called a record or tuple) holds a single instance of data.
• Columns: Each column defines a specific attribute, with a name and data type.
• Data Types: Columns are typed—e.g., INTEGER, VARCHAR, DATE — to control what kind of data they hold.
• Constraints: Tables can enforce rules like PRIMARY KEY, FOREIGN KEY, NOT NULL, UNIQUE, etc.