A Data Lake is a centralized repository that allows organizations to store vast amounts of raw data in its native format. This data can include structured data from databases, unstructured data like text and images, and semi-structured data such as JSON files. The flexibility of a data lake enables businesses to retain data without the need for immediate processing or analysis. Unlike traditional databases, which require data to be organized and structured before storage, a data lake can accommodate data as it comes. This makes it easier for data scientists and analysts to access and analyze large datasets using tools like Apache Spark or Hadoop, facilitating advanced analytics and machine learning applications.