What is the primary function of a Database Management System (DBMS)?

The primary function of a Database Management System (DBMS) is to create and manage databases. A DBMS provides the necessary tools and environment to define, store, retrieve, and manage data efficiently. It allows users to create databases through a structured format, ensuring that data can be easily organized, updated, and accessed.

In addition to database creation and management, a DBMS facilitates data manipulation through the use of query languages like SQL, handles data integrity, and provides mechanisms for backup and recovery. By centralizing the management of data, a DBMS also supports data sharing among different users and applications, thereby enhancing data consistency and security across systems.

While data visualization, reporting, encryption, and network communication are important aspects of handling data, they are typically considered supplementary or specific functions that can be built on top of a DBMS rather than its primary role.