What do you call the categories used to describe each record in a database?

The term that refers to the categories used to describe each record in a database is "fields." In database terminology, fields are the individual pieces of data that make up a record. Each field represents a specific attribute or characteristic of the data being stored. For example, in a database of customers, fields might include "First Name," "Last Name," "Email Address," and "Phone Number."

Fields are structured in a way that allows for efficient data management and retrieval, enabling users to organize and access information based on specific criteria. Understanding this concept is essential for anyone working with databases, as it lays the foundation for data organization and querying. Other options like footnotes, files, and figures do not accurately describe the data categories within a database context; they pertain to different areas such as documentation, storage, or graphical representations.