In the context of databases, what is a 'record'?

A 'record' in the context of databases refers to all the data about a single item. Each record is a complete set of information that is related to one entity, which is typically represented as a row in a database table. For example, in a database of students, a record might contain all the details for one student, such as their name, age, student ID, and classes enrolled. This encapsulation allows for organized and efficient data management, enabling users to retrieve or modify data pertaining to a specific item easily.

The other options do not accurately define a record. A collection of tables in a database refers to the overall database structure rather than an individual entity's data. A specific code used for sorting data does not represent the information itself, while an error log of database transactions relates to tracking issues in the database rather than storing details about a specific item. Thus, the definition provided in the correct answer captures the essence of what constitutes a record in a database.