What defines a database?

A database is fundamentally defined as a structured collection of related data entries. This means that the data within a database is organized in a way that allows for efficient storage, retrieval, and management. Databases typically use predefined structures, such as tables, to ensure that data is related and can be easily accessed and manipulated.

In a well-designed database, data is formatted into specific fields and records, which makes it easier to enforce data integrity and perform queries. This structure allows users to efficiently manage large volumes of data while keeping it coherent and connected. For example, a database for a library would have tables for books, patrons, and loans, where each entry in these tables can be related through key identifiers.

In contrast, the other options describe concepts that do not meet the criteria of a database: an unorganized collection of data fails to provide the necessary structure (the first option), a single table lacks the relational component inherent in databases (the third option), and a collection of random files does not imply any organization or relation among the data entries (the fourth option). Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the importance of structure and organization in defining what a database truly is.