What is the purpose of a data dictionary?

A data dictionary serves a crucial role in database management by documenting the structure of the database. It provides detailed information about the data elements within the database, such as table names, field names, data types, constraints, relationships between tables, and other metadata. This documentation allows users and developers to understand the characteristics of the data, facilitates better communication among team members, and assists in maintaining the integrity and organization of the database over time.

In contrast, while organizing user permissions, managing data backups, and providing encryption methods are important aspects of database management, they do not fall under the primary purpose of a data dictionary. User permissions pertain to security and access controls, data backups relate to data preservation and recovery strategies, and encryption methods are concerned with data security measures. A data dictionary specifically focuses on the documentation aspect, making option B the correct choice.