What type of application would be good for storing, viewing, and updating a large number of inventory records?

A database application is ideal for storing, viewing, and updating a large number of inventory records due to its inherent design and functionality. Databases are specifically structured to handle large volumes of data efficiently, allowing for easy retrieval, manipulation, and management of that data.

In a database application, you can organize records into tables, which can then be linked using relationships, making it easier to manage complex inventories with various attributes, such as item numbers, descriptions, quantities, and prices. Additionally, database applications often include features such as indexing, querying, and transaction management, which enhance the ability to retrieve and update records quickly and securely, even as the volume of data grows.

In contrast, word processing applications are unsuitable for this purpose as they are designed for text editing and document creation rather than data management. Spreadsheet applications can handle inventory to some extent but have limitations in data integrity, scalability, and multi-user access when compared to database applications. Presentation applications focus on visual display and communications rather than on data storage and management, making them irrelevant for the requirements of managing inventory records.