A document store is a type of database designed to store, retrieve, and manage semi-structured data in the form of documents. These documents are typically formatted in JSON, XML, or BSON, allowing for flexible data structures. This flexibility makes document stores ideal for applications where data can vary in format and size, such as content management systems and e-commerce platforms. Unlike traditional relational databases, which use tables and rows, document stores organize data as individual documents. This structure enables developers to easily access and manipulate data without needing to define a strict schema upfront. Popular examples of document stores include MongoDB and CouchDB.