The term "data lake" refers to a centralized repository that allows users to store vast amounts of structured and unstructured data in its original format. Unlike traditional databases that require data to be processed and organized beforehand, a data lake enables the ingestion of diverse data types—such as text, images, videos, and logs—without prior structuring. This flexibility allows organizations to extract valuable insights and perform advanced analytics using various data processing tools. Data lakes are essential for leveraging large datasets and enabling data-driven decision-making.