What is the main purpose of SQL in relation to databases?

The main purpose of SQL (Structured Query Language) in relation to databases is to store and retrieve data. 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 to extract specific information, inserting new records, updating existing data, and deleting records that are no longer needed.

In essence, SQL acts as the intermediary between users and databases, enabling users to communicate with the database management system (DBMS) effectively. Tasks such as filtering records based on certain criteria or aggregating data for analysis are easily handled through SQL commands. This capability is fundamental to database management, making it a vital tool for developers, data analysts, and database administrators.