DBMS software primarily functions as an interface between the end user and the database, simultaneously managing the data, the database engine, and the database schema in order to facilitate the organization and manipulation of data.
Though functions of DBMS vary greatly, general-purpose DBMS features and capabilities should include: a user accessible catalog describing metadata, DBMS library management system, data abstraction and independence, data security, logging and auditing of activity, support for concurrency and transactions, support for authorization of access, access support from remote locations, DBMS data recovery support in the event of damage, and enforcement of constraints to ensure the data follows certain rules.
