The type of database that stores structured and discrete data in predefined tables is called a?

The term that describes a database designed to store structured and discrete data in predefined tables is relational. Relational databases are founded on the relational model, which organizes data into tables (also known as relations) that consist of rows and columns. Each table represents a different entity, and relationships between these tables are defined through foreign keys. This structure allows for efficient data retrieval and manipulation through the use of Structured Query Language (SQL).

Relational databases ensure data integrity and minimize redundancy by enforcing rules through normalization processes. The predefined nature of the tables permits users to expect a consistent data format and structure, which is essential for ensuring data quality and reliability.

While other types of databases exist, such as network, object-oriented, and object-relational, they differ significantly in how they structure and manage data. For instance, network databases use a more complex relationship model, object-oriented databases store data as objects (similar to programming), and object-relational databases blend features of both relational and object-oriented databases. However, none of these alternatives meet the specific definition of storing data in clearly defined tables as found in relational databases.