In a relational database, what is a relation?

A relation in a relational database specifically refers to a two-dimensional table composed of columns and rows. Each table represents a specific entity or concept, with columns corresponding to attributes (or fields) of that entity, and rows representing individual records or instances of that entity. This structure allows for organized data storage and enables various operations, such as querying and updating, to be performed efficiently.

In the context of relational databases, this tabular format is fundamental as it aligns with the mathematical concept of relations and helps enforce data integrity and organization through the use of keys and constraints. The relational model is built upon these tables or relations, which serve as the primary means for storing and managing data.