Information about the structure of a database is stored in ______.
2013
Information about the structure of a database is stored in ______.
Answer: B. Data Dictionary — ConceptA DBMS stores both user data and metadata. User data consists of the records being managed, whereas metadata is “data about data”: it defines the…
- A.
Data File
- B.
Data Dictionary
- C.
Data Components
- D.
Data Model
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Correct answer: B
Concept
A DBMS stores both user data and metadata. User data consists of the records being managed, whereas metadata is “data about data”: it defines the schema objects and rules that give the database its structure.
The DBMS maintains this metadata in a system-managed catalog so that components such as the query processor can discover table definitions, column types, indexes, constraints, views, and privileges.
Application
The standard name for that metadata repository is the data dictionary, also called the system catalog. Therefore, information describing the structure of a database is stored in the Data Dictionary.
Contrast
Data File: stores database blocks containing rows, index entries, and other user or system data.
Data Components: is a generic phrase for constituent elements and does not name a specific catalog repository.
Data Model: is an abstract framework for representing structures, relationships, constraints, and operations.
Cross-check: when a table is created or altered, the DBMS updates its catalog entry; it does not redefine the database’s data model or turn the schema definition into an ordinary data row. This confirms Data Dictionary as the required repository.