What does a Join do in SQL?

A Join in SQL is primarily used to combine columns from two or more tables based on a related column between them. This process allows users to retrieve meaningful data that is distributed across different tables within a relational database. For instance, if you have one table that contains customer information and another that contains order details, using a Join can enable you to display orders along with the customer details by linking these tables through a common identifier, such as a customer ID.

This operation is essential for leveraging the normalized structure of databases, where data is often split across different tables to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity. By utilizing a Join, you can formulate more complex queries that pull relevant information from multiple sources, enhancing the ability to analyze and report on data holistically.