What data structure is used to hold a collection of data records in ABAP?

The internal table serves as a core data structure in ABAP for managing collections of data records. It is a dynamic array that can hold multiple entries of the same type, making it particularly useful for processing large amounts of data within an ABAP program. Internal tables are versatile; they allow for rows to be added or removed at runtime, which adds to their flexibility when handling datasets.

When using internal tables, developers can perform various operations such as reading, modifying, and deleting records. This capability is essential for scenarios like reading data from a database into an internal table, processing that data within the application logic, and then writing results back to a database if necessary.

Other data structures mentioned serve different purposes. Database tables are static structures that store persistent data in the database, while structures are used to define a single record with fixed fields but are not meant to hold multiple records. Field symbols act as placeholders that point to variables or data objects but do not store or manage collections themselves. Thus, for the requirement to hold a collection of data records, the internal table is the appropriate choice.