Description: Null values in SQL are special markers used to indicate that a data value does not exist in the database. This concept is fundamental in database management, as it allows developers and administrators to distinguish between a value that is actually zero, empty, or unknown. In technical terms, a null value represents the absence of a value, which can be crucial for data integrity and query logic. Null values can appear in any data type, whether numeric, text, or date, and their proper handling is essential to avoid errors in data querying and manipulation operations. In SQL, specific operators such as IS NULL and IS NOT NULL are used to filter records that contain or do not contain null values. Understanding null values is vital for optimizing queries, as their presence can affect performance and the accuracy of results. Therefore, it is important for developers to consider how null values are managed when designing database schemas and writing SQL queries, thus ensuring that data is handled effectively and efficiently.