When building a website, you'll often hear about databases. In simple terms, a database is an organized collection of data, stored and accessed electronically. For web hosting, it's like the digital filing cabinet for your site's dynamic content.

Most modern websites use databases to manage information that changes or is user-specific. This includes:

• Blog posts and articles
• User accounts and profiles
• E-commerce product listings
• Comments and form submissions

Common database types in hosting include MySQL and PostgreSQL. These are relational databases, meaning they store data in structured tables with relationships between them. Your hosting plan typically includes support for one or more of these systems.

To use a database, your website's code (often written in languages like PHP or Python) connects to it using credentials provided by your host. This allows your site to store, retrieve, update, and delete information dynamically, creating a personalized experience for visitors.

When choosing a hosting plan, ensure it offers adequate database support—including the number of databases allowed, storage space, and management tools like phpMyAdmin—to match your website's needs.