What is the primary function of a database management system (DBMS)?

The primary function of a database management system (DBMS) is to manage and organize data. A DBMS serves as a mediator between users and databases, enabling them to efficiently store, retrieve, and manipulate data. It ensures data integrity, supports transaction management, and can handle queries made by applications or users. This organization of data includes defining data structures, facilitating access and modification, and providing mechanisms for data security and backup.

While data analysis, user interfaces, and report generation are important aspects of utilizing data, they are often secondary functions or capabilities that build on the foundational role of a DBMS. Data analysis, for instance, relies on the organized data that a DBMS provides but is not its primary function. Similarly, creating user interfaces or generating reports often involves using applications that interact with the DBMS but do not reflect the core responsibilities of the DBMS itself. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the essential role of the DBMS in managing and organizing data.