A database is a structured collection of information that allows users to store, manage, and retrieve data efficiently. Think of it like a digital filing cabinet where you can organize various types of information, such as customer details, product inventories, or sales records. Databases help businesses and individuals keep track of important data in an organized way. There are different types of databases, including relational databases and NoSQL databases. A relational database uses tables to organize data, making it easy to find and connect related information. On the other hand, NoSQL databases are more flexible and can handle unstructured data, making them ideal for big data applications and modern web services.