Definition A request for specific data from a database, usually written in SQL.
Example A team asks how many orders appear in its database rather than reading each record manually.
See how it works SELECT COUNT (*) AS order_count
FROM sales_orders;Returns one number named order_count.
Check your understanding Common mistake: A query result depends on the data, filters, joins and permissions used; it is not automatically the agreed business metric.
What would COUNT(*) count in this example?
Show explanation The number of rows in the sales_orders table, not necessarily unique customers or completed orders.
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Why it matters Queries are how people get exactly the data they need.
Where it is used Databases, BI tools and data requests.
