The correct answer is: C. character, field, record, file, database
A character is the smallest unit of data. It is a single letter, number, or symbol. A field is a group of characters that represent a single piece of information, such as a name, address, or phone number. A record is a group of fields that represent a single entity, such as a customer or product. A file is a collection of records. A database is a collection of files.
Option A is incorrect because it places the database before the file. A database is a collection of files, not the other way around.
Option B is incorrect because it places the record before the field. A field is a group of characters that represent a single piece of information, such as a name, address, or phone number. A record is a group of fields that represent a single entity, such as a customer or product.
Option D is incorrect because it places the bit before the character. A bit is the smallest unit of information in a computer. A character is a group of bits that represent a single letter, number, or symbol.
Option E is incorrect because it does not list the common data elements in order from smallest to largest.