How do external databases interact with Pega?

External databases interact with Pega primarily by utilizing connectors and integrations. This approach allows Pega applications to seamlessly communicate with various data sources, ensuring that data can be accessed, manipulated, and integrated in real time. Connectors offer a structured way to establish communication with other systems, such as REST or SOAP services, and database connections using JDBC.

By using these connectors, Pega can perform operations such as retrieving, updating, or deleting data within external databases, which is essential for maintaining accurate and up-to-date information across applications. This integration capability enhances Pega's functionality by allowing it to leverage data from various systems, streamline processes, and provide a more unified user experience.

The other options do not fully capture the effective and dynamic way that Pega interacts with external databases. Manually entered data refers to user input, which does not involve external databases directly, while predefined queries imply static interactions rather than dynamic integrations. Annual data extraction is not practical for modern application needs, as it is too infrequent for real-time data requirements. Thus, the utilization of connectors and integrations represents the best practice for data interaction within the Pega environment.