A database is a collection of related information on a certain subject. Split into columns and rows, each column describes one point of data, and each row contains one connected set of data, also called data records. At their essence, databases keep their information in electronic tables.
Examples of database software include Access, MySQL and Oracle. These programs allow you to open, edit and manipulate the information stored in databases.
Databases are essential in many different set-ups. Websites, financial institutions, content management systems and more all depend on the information they use being presented in a specific structure – the database.
