How do the Core and Master databases differ in Sitecore?

The Core and Master databases in Sitecore serve distinct purposes that are crucial for its content management and delivery capabilities. The Core database is primarily focused on system data and settings, which include user accounts, security roles, and the Sitecore interface settings. It acts as a central hub for the Sitecore application, maintaining data necessary for its various functionalities and user management.

On the other hand, the Master database is where the actual content items are stored, including all the published content and unpublished drafts. This database is designed to hold all content that may be authored, edited, or published to the website, making it a core element of the content management system.

The distinction between these two databases is fundamental to how Sitecore operates; they work together to support both the administrative aspect of managing content (handled by the Core) and the actual content lifecycle (handled by the Master). This understanding is critical for developers and content administrators when navigating Sitecore, ensuring they know where to find and manage different types of data related to user permissions and content items.