Which of the following best defines a Database Management System (DBMS)?

A Database Management System (DBMS) is fundamentally designed to manage data access and storage efficiently. It serves as an intermediary between users and the database, ensuring that data is stored systematically and can be easily accessed, modified, and maintained. A DBMS provides the necessary functionalities to create, read, update, and delete data while enforcing data integrity, security, and consistency.

In addition to managing data storage, a DBMS facilitates concurrent access for multiple users, transaction control, and usually includes features for backup and recovery of data. These capabilities are critical in environments where data management is complex, enabling organizations to handle large volumes of information effectively.

While querying data is a component of a DBMS’s functionality, describing it solely as software that queries data does not capture the full extent of its role in managing data operations. Similarly, a protocol for data transfer or a tool for visualizing data does not encompass the comprehensive features that a DBMS provides, as those are more specific tasks rather than an overarching definition of data management.