Database
Also: databases
A store of data that software can search and change. It keeps the data in a set structure.
The fuller definition
A database is an organized system for storing, querying, and updating data under defined rules.
- Documents
Stable IDs
- Events
Recorded facts or claims
- Relations
Links to sources
A simplified relationship, not a screenshot or a complete design.
A concrete example
A matter database stores document IDs and links chronology entries to their sources.
The distinction that matters
Storing a statement in a database does not verify its truth; the provenance and constraints still matter.
Related terms
SQL — Structured Query Language
The language used to ask a database questions and change what it holds.
Documents & retrievalVector database
A store built for embeddings, so you can quickly find texts with a similar meaning.
Documents & retrievalProvenance
The record of where a piece of information came from and how it got here.
Where it is taught
APIs and JSON: connect a model to a small programSource and further reading
MDN · Web technology glossaryThe definition and example are written for this library. The link gives background, official documentation or legal authority as labelled. Legal scope depends on the jurisdiction and current text; product features depend on release and settings.