What system manipulates and controls the data stored within a database?

The database management system (DBMS) is designed specifically to manipulate and control the data stored within a database. It serves as an intermediary between users and the database, allowing for the creation, retrieval, updating, and deletion of data. A DBMS provides essential functionalities such as data organization, security, integrity, and consistency, ensuring that data is easily accessible and manageable.

In contrast, an information retrieval system focuses on finding and retrieving information, often from larger datasets, rather than controlling or manipulating the data itself. The file transfer protocol (FTP) is utilized for transferring files over a network, but it does not have the capabilities to manage or manipulate data in a structured way like a DBMS. Meanwhile, a transaction processing system (TPS) is designed to handle and process transactions, but it relies on a database management system to manage the underlying data, rather than directly controlling it.

Thus, a DBMS is crucial for efficiently handling data operations and providing users with tools to manage that data effectively.