A design tool which describes the characteristics of each field in a table is known as

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Question: A design tool which describes the characteristics of each field in a table is known as

Option provided: a. a data dictionary.

First, consider what a data dictionary is. A data dictionary is a centralized repository that stores metadata about data elements, including field names, data types, allowed values, constraints, defaults, and relationships to other tables. It serves as a reference for designers, developers, and analysts to understand the structure and rules governing each field in a database or table. This makes it a natural fit for describing the characteristics of every field.

Next, evaluate the idea of there being no other options listed. Without additional choices, we can still assess the correctness of the single option given. The statement that a data dictionary describes the characteristics of each field aligns with standard database design concepts, where metadata about columns is captured to ensure clarity and consistency across the data model.

Why the other potential concepts (if they were present) might be incorrect: if there were options like ‘data model’, ‘schema document’, or ‘data catalog’—each has a related but distinct role. A data model typically describes the structure and relationships at a higher level, not necessarily the granular metadata of every field. A schema document could describe structure but may not be as explicit about field-level metadata as a data dictionary. A data catalog focuses on discovering and indexing data assets for organization-wide access, which includes metadata but is broader than the field-level characteristics within a single table. Since those alternatives aren’t listed here, we can’t definitively compare, but understanding the precise scope helps differentiate them in typical exam contexts.

Given the description in the question, the concept most closely matching “describes the characteristics of each field in a table” is indeed the data dictionary, as it collects and presents the metadata for each field. It is the standard term used to encapsulate data element details such as name, type, length, constraints, and default values, all of which define field characteristics.

In summary, with the provided option, the description most consistently aligns with the function of a data dictionary in database design. If subsequent options were provided, we would contrast each one along the same lines to highlight why the data dictionary best fits the described role.

A design tool which describes the characteristics of each field in a table is known as

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