What is a Table in a Database?

A table in a database is like a spreadsheet. It organizes data into rows and columns. Each table holds information about a specific topic or entity, such as customers, products, or orders.

Think of a table as a container for structured data.

What is a Column in a Table?

A column represents a specific attribute or field of the data stored in the table. Each column has:

• A name (like CustomerName)
• A data type (like Text, Date, or Integer)
• A purpose (it stores the same type of information for all rows)

For example, in a Customers table:

• Each row = a single customer (record)
• Each column = one attribute of that customer

Why Tables and Columns Matter

• Organization: Keeps data structured and easy to query
• Relationships: You can connect different tables (e.g., Orders table linked to Customers by CustomerID)
• Efficiency: Columns allow databases to index and retrieve data faster
• Clarity: Makes data easy to understand and analyze

Quick Analogy

Imagine a table as a class register:

• Each row is a student
• Each column is a student detail (name, age, grade, etc.)