What does SQL stand for?

The correct answer, which identifies SQL as Structured Query Language, highlights its fundamental role in the field of database management. SQL is a standardized programming language specifically designed for managing and manipulating relational databases. It allows users to perform various operations, such as querying data, updating records, inserting new data, and deleting existing data, using a structured format that is both efficient and powerful.

The term "structured" refers to the language's ability to communicate with databases that are organized in a structured format, typically using tables that consist of rows and columns. The component "query" emphasizes the language's primary function, which is to retrieve information from databases based on specified criteria. As such, SQL serves as a critical tool for data analysts, developers, and database administrators, enabling them to interrogate their data systems effectively.

Understanding SQL’s definition is essential because it emphasizes the language's purpose and application in data analytics and management, making it a foundational element in this field.