What does "scalability" refer to in database systems?

Scalability in database systems specifically relates to the system's capacity to increase performance and accommodate growth by effectively managing increased workloads. This definition underlines the fundamental idea that as more data is added or as the number of users accessing the database rises, the performance of the database should not degrade. Scalability can be achieved through various methods, like vertical scaling (upgrading existing hardware) or horizontal scaling (adding more servers).

This concept is crucial for organizations anticipating growth or fluctuating demand, as it impacts infrastructure planning, resource allocation, and ultimately the user experience. A scalable database ensures that performance remains consistent even as the transaction volume increases, making it an essential characteristic of modern data management solutions.