What is "metadata" in databases?

Metadata refers to data that provides information about other data, essentially serving as a descriptor that offers context or additional details about the primary data. For instance, in a database, metadata can include information such as the types of data stored in each column, the relationships between tables, data formats, and even constraints placed on that data. This contextual information is crucial for effective data management and retrieval, aiding users and applications in understanding the structure and meaning of the data contained within the database.

The other choices, while related to data, do not capture the specific role of metadata. User preferences may relate to how data is utilized but do not describe the data itself. Raw data represents the unprocessed information collected from users, rather than the structural descriptions. Data related to system performance might offer insights into the operation of the database but does not pertain directly to the characteristics of the data stored within it. Thus, "data that provides information about other data" is the accurate definition of metadata.