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A database is an organized collection of data stored electronically on a computer system, usually managed by a database management system (DBMS). Databases provide structured storage, enabling users to easily access, retrieve, modify, and manage large amounts of information. Key components include tables, schemas, and Structured Query Language (SQL), while common types are relational databases (like SQL databases) and NoSQL databases (like document-oriented or graph databases), each suited for different data structures and access needs.

Key Terms & Components:

Database: An organized collection of structured or unstructured data.

Database Management System (DBMS): The software layer that acts as an intermediary between users and the data, handling queries, updates, and data management.

Tables: The primary structure for storing data in many databases, organizing it into rows (records) and columns (fields).

Schema: A logical definition that outlines how data is organized within a database, including table names, fields, data types, and relationships.

Structured Query Language (SQL): The standard programming language used to interact with relational databases, allowing users to query, insert, and update data.

Records: A single row within a table, representing a single instance of data.

Fields: A single column within a table, representing a specific attribute of the data.