A database is a structured collection of data that is organized and stored for easy access, management, and manipulation. It is like a digital filing system that allows you to store and retrieve information efficiently. Databases are used to store various types of data, such as customer information, product details, financial records, or any other data that needs to be organized and accessed quickly. They provide a reliable and efficient way to manage large amounts of data and support the storage and retrieval of information for applications and users.