What does the SELECT command do in SQL?

The SELECT command in SQL is a fundamental statement used to retrieve data from one or more tables within a database. It allows users to specify exactly what information they want to see, as well as how to display it. For example, you can use SELECT to query specific columns, filter records based on certain criteria with a WHERE clause, sort the results using ORDER BY, and even combine data from multiple tables through JOIN operations.

This command is essential for data analysis and reporting because it fetches the relevant information stored in databases, making it the primary method for accessing data. Understanding the SELECT command is crucial for manipulating and analyzing data effectively in SQL, as it forms the basis for most database interactions.