Which of the following best describes the role of data entities in Mendix applications?

Data entities in Mendix applications play a crucial role in representing complex data structures that can include various attributes and associations to other entities. This is foundational for building a robust data model within the application. Entities allow developers to define relationships between different types of data, thereby enabling the creation of intricate data networks and facilitating rich data interactions.

Through associations, entities can relate to one another in ways that reflect real-world relationships. For example, one entity can link to multiple instances of another entity, establishing one-to-many or many-to-many relationships. This holistic approach enables developers to leverage Mendix's powerful capabilities in managing data and executing transactions effectively.

Understanding the nature of data entities is crucial when designing data models in Mendix, as they guide how data is stored, accessed, and manipulated within the application, ensuring both efficiency and integrity within the system.