Edgar Codd is associated with which computer science idea?

Correct answer: Relational database model

The direct answer is A: Edgar Codd is associated with the relational database model. Codd was a computer scientist who proposed the relational model, in which data is organized into tables made of rows and columns. Relationships between tables allow information to be searched and combined systematically, and database languages such as SQL are commonly used with relational databases. Therefore option A is correct. Option B is wrong because the abacus is an ancient calculating device and is not Codd’s contribution. Option C is wrong because the punch-card loom is associated with early programmable weaving, especially Jacquard’s loom, not Codd. Option D is wrong because a vacuum tube is an early electronic component, not a database idea. The key reasoning is to distinguish a person’s field: Codd worked on database theory, not early mechanical devices or electronic components. Memory cue: Codd sounds like “code” and “columns”; think of relational tables with rows and columns.