What is the primary function of a database server?

The primary function of a database server is to store and manage databases. This involves handling the storage of data, executing queries, ensuring data integrity, and providing access to that data for clients or applications that need to use it for various purposes. A database server is specifically optimized to handle the operations associated with database management systems (DBMS), such as retrieval, manipulation, and updating of data in a structured way.

In contrast, hosting web applications pertains to servers that are designed to serve web content and handle web traffic, which is not the core focus of a database server. Providing email services is the function of mail servers, which manage the transmission and reception of emails, distinct from data storage and management. An acting domain name server (DNS) translates domain names into IP addresses, which is a function related to network routing, not database management. Thus, the identification of a database server primarily revolves around its role in safely and efficiently managing database systems.