Column (database)

In the context of a relational database, a column is a set of data values of a particular simple type, one for each row of the table.

Description

The columns provide the structure according to which the rows are composed.

When a column allows data values of a single type, it does not essentially mean it only has simple text values. Other databases go beyond and let the data be stored as a file on Operating System whereas the column data only covers a pointer or a link to the actual file.

Also, databases mostly let columns to have more complex data for example whole documents, images or even video clips.

In relational database terminology, column's equivalent is called attribute.

See also

• Database
• Relational database
• Row (database)

External links

• Column (database) @ Wikipedia