A database stores structured or semi-structured data and answers queries from applications and users. It is useful as the system of record — or a serving layer — when AI and software need consistent reads and writes, not only files in a folder.
Whilst “put it in a database” sounds complete, in practice the wrong type (relational vs document vs vector) creates painful workarounds. For example, forcing semantic search into SQL clauses misses meaning entirely. We often recommend matching database choice to access patterns — transactions, analytics, or vectors — and adding lineage when multiple systems depend on the same tables.