Databases allow for the storage and organization of related data. A database contains tables that store data in rows and columns. A database management system (DBMS) helps define, construct, and manipulate the database. Relational databases follow a relational model and store data in related tables. Benefits of databases over file systems include reduced data redundancy, avoidance of data inconsistency, ability to share data among multiple users, and application of security restrictions. Transactions allow multiple database operations to be executed atomically as a single unit.