SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standardized language used to manage and manipulate relational databases. It allows creating, reading, updating, and deleting (CRUD) data by executing queries, making it essential for retrieving and managing structured data. SQL is widely adopted across various database systems like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server, enabling both simple and complex operations, including filtering, joining, and aggregating data. Its versatility makes it a foundational tool for database management and analysis in various applications.