Final answer:
A DataSet in ADO.NET is a collection of DataTables that can be processed in memory. It allows for manipulation of data without constant database connection and supports XML data exchange.
Step-by-step explanation:
A DataSet in ADO.NET is c. a set of tables that can be accessed by indices and as an XML tree. It is a key component of the .NET Framework's ADO.NET architecture for working with data. Unlike a one-dimensional array or a single table, a DataSet is designed to hold multiple DataTables which can contain different types of data and relationships between the tables.
This in-memory representation of database data allows developers to work with and manipulate the data as if they were working directly with a database, but without requiring a constant connection to the database. It supports disconnected data manipulation, and the data within a DataSet can be loaded from or written to an XML document, providing flexibility for data exchange.