What is the equivalent of a table in database terminology?

In database terminology, a table is commonly referred to as a relation. This concept emerges from the relational database model proposed by Edgar F. Codd, where a relation represents a set of tuples (records) sharing the same attributes (columns). Each table organizes data into rows and columns, structuring information in a way that reflects relationships among the data in a clear and manageable form.

Understanding the role of relations is fundamental in relational databases, as they serve as the foundational building blocks for database design and implementation. Each table acts as a unique entity for storing and retrieving specific types of data, and the relationships between these tables help establish connections and constraints within the database ecosystem.

The distinction of the other terms includes the following: an entity refers to a real-world object or concept that can have data stored about it, which can be represented in a table but isn't synonymous with the table itself. A tuple represents a single record within a table, while an attribute pertains to the individual columns defined within that table, describing the characteristics of the tuples contained within it. Thus, while these terms are related to the structure and organization of data, they do not equate to the concept of a table, which is best defined as a relation.