If I were to say the word database to you, what might be the first thing that would come to mind. It would probably depend on your current situation and background. Corporate developers might immediately think of Oracle Database or Microsoft SQL Server. Open-source developers would probably think of MySQL/MariaDB, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB. Desktop users might think of Microsoft Access, Paradox, or even dBase. In general, what you are actually thinking of is the DBMS (Database Management System) or the software that allows you to interact with the database.