Final answer:
The data definition component of a database management system defines and manages the structure of the database by creating tables, specifying data types, and setting constraints.
Step-by-step explanation:
The data definition component of a database management system (DBMS) is responsible for defining and managing the structure of the database. It includes creating the tables, specifying the data types, and setting constraints for the data. This component helps ensure data integrity and consistency by enforcing rules and standards.
For example, in a database for a school, the data definition component would be used to create tables for students, teachers, and courses. It would define the columns for each table, specifying the data types, such as text or numeric, and any constraints, such as requiring a unique student ID.
Overall, the data definition component establishes the blueprint for how data is stored and organized in the database, playing a crucial role in database management.