Description: A retrieval statement, commonly known as an SQL SELECT statement, is an instruction used in Structured Query Language (SQL) to retrieve data from a database. This statement allows users to specify which columns of data they want to obtain and from which tables, as well as to apply filters and conditions to limit the results. The basic syntax of a retrieval statement includes the keyword SELECT, followed by the names of the desired columns and the FROM clause, which indicates the table from which the data will be extracted. Additionally, clauses such as WHERE can be included to filter results, ORDER BY to sort the data, and GROUP BY to group records. The flexibility of retrieval statements allows for simple or complex queries, facilitating the analysis and manipulation of large volumes of information. Their relevance lies in the fact that they are fundamental for interacting with databases, enabling users and applications to access the necessary information for decision-making and report generation.
