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What is a vector database?

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Quick answer

A vector database stores data as numerical 'vectors' that capture meaning, so it can find items by similarity rather than exact match. It's the backbone of modern AI search — letting systems retrieve the most relevant text, images, or audio for a query.

Key things to understand

  1. It stores data as meaning-capturing numerical vectors.
  2. It finds items by similarity, not exact keywords.
  3. It powers AI search and recommendation.
  4. It's key to giving AI models relevant context.

People also ask

What is a vector database?
A database that stores data as vectors and finds results by similarity of meaning rather than exact matches.
Why do AI systems use vector databases?
They let AI quickly retrieve the most relevant information to answer questions or ground responses.
What is an embedding?
A vector that represents the meaning of text, an image, or audio so similar items sit close together.

Part of the guide: How AI Works →