What is an organized collection of related data known as?

An organized collection of related data is known as a database. A database allows for efficient storage, retrieval, and management of data, often structured in a way that facilitates easy access and manipulation. Databases are commonly used in various applications to maintain data integrity and support data processing and querying capabilities.

The concept of a database encompasses different types of systems, such as relational databases, which organize data into tables, and other types, such as NoSQL databases, which manage unstructured data. The key characteristic of a database is its ability to handle large volumes of data, maintain relationships among the data elements, and provide users with tools to perform operations on this data.

While other terms like data repository, information system, and data archive may seem similar, they have distinct meanings and applications. A data repository is more general and could refer to any storage location for data, but it does not imply the structured organization that a database does. An information system incorporates databases to manage and process information for decision-making and operational purposes but includes broader elements such as software and procedures. A data archive refers to a storage system where data is kept for long-term retention, often in a format that is not easily accessible for immediate use. Thus, a database specifically denotes the structured format of