The type of software used for creating and managing databases is called database management system (DBMS). A DBMS provides tools to create, retrieve, update, and delete data in a structured format, ensuring data integrity and security. It supports various functions like data modeling, querying through languages like SQL, and user access control. Popular DBMS examples include MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Microsoft SQL Server. These systems are essential for managing large datasets in applications ranging from business operations to web development.