What type of data structure consists of records (rows) separated by fields (columns)?

A database is a structured collection of data that consists of records, which are often represented as rows, and fields, represented as columns. This organization allows for efficient storage, retrieval, and management of data. In a database, each record typically contains multiple fields that hold different types of information related to that record, making it highly organized and easy to query using structured query language (SQL) or similar tools.

This structure supports various operations that can efficiently handle large volumes of data, enabling tasks like data manipulation, analysis, and reporting. It is optimal for scenarios where relationships between pieces of data need to be defined, and where data integrity must be maintained through constraints and relationships.

Other options, while related to data storage, do not describe this specific organizational format as accurately. A spreadsheet, for example, also consists of rows and columns, but primarily serves for calculations and data analysis in a more visually-oriented, less structured environment. Lists and arrays, on the other hand, are typically more linear collections of data without the distinct record-and-field properties intrinsic to database systems.