A database in computing terms is a data structure that stores, organizes and retrieves information (data).
In WordPress, the database is where all the content and site-related information are stored. It includes posts, pages, comments, user data, and site settings. WordPress uses MySQL as its database management system, which is an open-source relational database management system.
WordPress uses the MySQL or MariaDB relational database management system to organize the contents of your website, such as posts, pages, comments and so on.
The database stores content and other site-related information in tables, which are organized in a specific manner. WordPress creates these tables automatically during the installation process, and the site owner can interact with the database through the WordPress dashboard or using external tools.
Database maintenance is crucial for the optimal performance of WordPress sites. It involves regular backups, optimizing the database for speed, and cleaning up unused or unnecessary data to prevent bloating. There are several plugins and tools available that can help with database maintenance in WordPress.