What is a Database

A database in computer terms is an organized collection of data that is stored and accessed electronically. It is designed to manage, store, and retrieve data efficiently. Databases are essential for handling large amounts of information in a structured way, allowing users to quickly find and use specific data.

Databases can be classified into different types, including relational databases, where data is stored in tables with predefined relationships, and non-relational databases, which store data in formats like documents or key-value pairs. Commonly used database management systems (DBMS) include MySQL, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server.

The structured nature of databases allows them to store everything from simple lists to complex sets of interconnected data, making them a fundamental part of modern computing systems used in businesses, websites, and applications.