What does the term "data integrity" refer to in database management?

The term "data integrity" in database management specifically refers to the accuracy and consistency of data throughout its lifecycle. This means that data needs to be reliable, valid, and maintained in a way that it remains accurate and consistent whenever it is accessed or modified. Data integrity ensures that any data entered into the database is correct and that existing data remains unchanged unless it is intended to be updated.

In practical terms, data integrity encompasses various aspects, including the prevention of duplicate entries, validation of data inputs, and the establishment of rules that govern the allowable changes to the data to prevent errors. This is crucial for maintaining the quality of data, which directly impacts decision-making processes based on that data.

The other choices, while they may relate to data management practices, do not encapsulate the core meaning of data integrity as effectively. For instance, ensuring rapid data entry without errors focuses more on data input speed rather than integrity. Regular updates to data systems prioritize performance improvements rather than the accuracy and validity of the data itself. Restricting access to sensitive data mainly concerns security rather than the integrity of the data's content. Therefore, maintaining and assuring the accuracy and consistency of data is the most accurate representation of data integrity.