A database is a structured collection of information that allows for efficient storage, retrieval, and management of data. It serves as an abstraction over an operating system’s file system, enabling developers to create applications that can easily create, read, update, and delete persistent data. Databases can be categorized into various types, including relational databases, which organize data in tables with defined relationships, and non-relational databases, often referred to as NoSQL. These systems provide a reliable and fast framework for handling data, making them essential for modern web applications and data-driven solutions.