Database software makes it simple to create, edit, update, and report on database files and records by allowing them to be easily created, modified, and maintained. The software handles data storage, backup, and reporting, as well as multi-access control and security. As data theft grows increasingly common, strong database security is more critical than ever. A 'database management system' is another term for database software (DBMS).

Database software is generally used to store and manage structured data/databases. It usually has a graphical user interface that lets users create, update, and manage data fields and records in a tabular or organized manner. This software allows you to obtain data/databases in a raw or report-based format. Although database software and database management software are comparable, most database software does not support native languages such as SQL, MySQL, or any other database querying language. MS Access, for example, allows users to create, administer, and query databases using graphical user interface tools and features rather than writing programming queries.

The majority of database software includes a graphical user interface (GUI) with structured fields and tabular forms that provide users with a centralized view of the data in a database as well as the capabilities to manage and query it. SQL (Structured Query Language) commands are also commonly employed in applications to interface with databases. SQL queries are used by administrators to instruct the system to accomplish a task, such as retrieving a specific collection of data. There are, however, databases that use methods other than SQL to retrieve information.