How it works
Relational databases use tables and structured queries, while other designs store documents, key-value pairs, graphs, or specialized data. A database management system controls access and operations.
What people often miss
A spreadsheet can hold tabular data, but a database is designed for consistent multiuser operations, larger scale, rules, and programmable queries.
Why this question comes up
Websites depend on databases for accounts, orders, content, settings, and countless other records.
Key points
- A database is an organized system for storing and retrieving information so software can search, update, relate, and protect it efficiently.
- Relational databases use tables and structured queries, while other designs store documents, key-value pairs, graphs, or specialized data. A database management system controls access and operations.
- A spreadsheet can hold tabular data, but a database is designed for consistent multiuser operations, larger scale, rules, and programmable queries.
Bottom line
A database is an organized system for storing and retrieving information so software can search, update, relate, and protect it efficiently.
Source and verification
This Answer was checked against IBM. Follow the source for the full official explanation and any later updates.