The VizieR database is a comprehensive and homogeneous collection of astronomical catalogues, managed by the Centre de Données de Strasbourg (CDS) and participating institutes. The database aims to standardize and integrate the vast array of astronomical data, which has grown exponentially over the past decades. The article provides an overview of the history and current status of the collection, emphasizing the importance of standardized metadata to enhance data usability. VizieR's architecture is designed to efficiently manage large catalogues and facilitate queries through various interfaces, including web browsers and data processing systems. The system supports both internal and external links, enabling users to access related information from other services. The article also discusses the challenges of accessing very large catalogues and the indexing mechanisms used to optimize performance. VizieR's role in data mining projects and its potential for interoperability with other databases is highlighted, along with its contributions to the astronomical community.The VizieR database is a comprehensive and homogeneous collection of astronomical catalogues, managed by the Centre de Données de Strasbourg (CDS) and participating institutes. The database aims to standardize and integrate the vast array of astronomical data, which has grown exponentially over the past decades. The article provides an overview of the history and current status of the collection, emphasizing the importance of standardized metadata to enhance data usability. VizieR's architecture is designed to efficiently manage large catalogues and facilitate queries through various interfaces, including web browsers and data processing systems. The system supports both internal and external links, enabling users to access related information from other services. The article also discusses the challenges of accessing very large catalogues and the indexing mechanisms used to optimize performance. VizieR's role in data mining projects and its potential for interoperability with other databases is highlighted, along with its contributions to the astronomical community.