Database
A database is a structure that compiles information that can be easily retrieved by a computer program. A database can be compared to a bank. This structure holds all of your practice information in one central location. Each file can be stored, transferred, or manipulated.
Instead of using paper files, EHRs enable you to store all of your files electronically, in a database. This is a huge benefit because all of the information is in one central location and can be easily retrieved. All of the information can be stored within the practice on a client server, or on a server that is offsite.
A database is an extremely broad category. There are several other parts that complement a database, such as a database management system and the database programming language.