database

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A database is a structured collection of data organized for efficient storage, retrieval, and management. It serves as a central repository for information, allowing users to store, query, and manipulate data. Modern databases come in various types, including relational databases like PostgreSQL and MySQL, which use tables and SQL for data operations, and NoSQL databases like MongoDB and Cassandra, which offer more flexible data models. Databases are fundamental to most software applications, enabling data persistence, concurrent access, and complex data operations. They play a crucial role in the data stack, forming the foundation for data storage and retrieval in analytics, business intelligence, and application development.