Databases exist in various forms, the best known probably being the relational database. Databases are managed by a Database Management System (DBMS). Besides ensuring consistency of data and their processing (reading and writing), the DBMS controls roles and privileges of users (groups) and also offers a range of functions to perform various operations on the data. The file format is usually linked to the DBMS, but there are independent exchange formats too.
Preferred formats
- SQL (.sql)
- SIARD (.siard)
- CSV (.csv)
Non-preferred formats
- MS Access (.mdb, .accdb) (v. 2000 or later)
- dBase (.dbf)
- Hierarchical Data Format (HDF5) (.hdf5, .he5, .h5)