What is a database?

A database is an organized collection of structured information or data stored electronically and managed by a Database Management System (DBMS). It allows data to be easily accessed, managed, modified, updated, controlled, and organized. Databases are fundamental to virtually all software applications — from social media platforms and banking systems to e-commerce sites and healthcare records. The most common type is the relational database, which organizes data into tables with rows and columns and uses SQL for querying.