👉 Database I/O, or Input/Output, refers to the process of managing data transfer between a computer's memory and its storage devices, such as hard drives or SSDs. It involves reading data from and writing data to these storage mediums efficiently. Database I/O is crucial for performance optimization, as it directly impacts how quickly and effectively a database can handle queries and transactions. Efficient I/O operations minimize wait times and improve overall system responsiveness, making it a key area of focus in database management and design.