What does a database management system (DBMS) do?

A database management system (DBMS) primarily captures, stores, and manages data. It provides users with the tools to create, read, update, and delete data efficiently. The capability to analyze data is also a crucial part of a DBMS, as it allows users to perform various operations such as querying the database to extract meaningful information and insights. In this way, the DBMS serves as an intermediary between the end-users and the database, facilitating data manipulation and retrieval while ensuring that the data reflects the needs of the users.

While the other functions listed can be related to aspects of data management, they do not encapsulate the primary purpose of a DBMS. Storing physical data on hard drives is a function of the underlying storage technology rather than the DBMS itself. Handling hardware and network configurations falls outside the scope of a DBMS’s key functionalities, as that is typically managed by system administrators and specialized software. Securing information from unauthorized access is a critical feature of a DBMS, but it is ultimately one of many capabilities that support the broader goal of capturing and managing data. Thus, the essence of what a DBMS does revolves around the actions of capturing and analyzing data, making that the most accurate answer.