What functionality does a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) provide to users?

A Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) is designed to enable users to interact with data in a structured and flexible manner. The functionality that RDBMS provides includes the ability to create new records, read existing data, update records as needed, and delete records that are no longer required. These four operations are commonly referred to as CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete).

The option stating only the ability to read and update data does not encompass the full range of functionalities that an RDBMS offers, as it omits the capabilities to create new data and to delete existing data. Storing data without any retrieval options contradicts the fundamental purpose of an RDBMS, which is to allow efficient data management, including the ability to query and retrieve information. The option that limits functionality to only deleting data fails to recognize the broader context of data management and manipulation that an RDBMS is meant to provide.

Thus, the correct answer reflects the comprehensive capabilities of an RDBMS, allowing users to fully manage data lifecycle through all stages of interaction: creating new data entries, retrieving them for queries or analysis, updating as necessary, and removing data when it is no longer needed.