Which characteristic defines a Data Lake?

A Data Lake is defined by its ability to store data in its raw format, accommodating both structured and unstructured data types. This characteristic allows organizations to collect and retain large volumes of data without the need to predefine the structure, providing flexibility and scalability for future data analysis and processing.

In contrast to more traditional data storage solutions, such as databases or data warehouses, which often require data to be transformed and organized according to a specific schema before being stored, a Data Lake allows for a more agile approach. This means that data can be ingested quickly and retained without immediate processing, making it ideal for scenarios where data may be required for different analytical purposes over time.

The ability to handle unstructured data, such as images, videos, and social media content, as well as structured data from databases, distinguishes Data Lakes from other data storage solutions, making option B the correct answer.