What is a Database ?

A database is a collection of data central to some enterprise. It's basically a record of information. Say when you buy an item in an online store, (ebay) that online store will record the item you purchased, when it was ordered, how many, etc so that it can compile a history list for you. So the database stores that information and nothing else. It certainly does not record how that information will be presented in the site. Just pure raw data.