What does 'Read' in CRUD represent?

The term 'Read' in CRUD is an acronym that stands for Create, Read, Update, and Delete, representing the four basic operations that can be performed on data in a database. Specifically, 'Read' refers to the process of retrieving and displaying data from a database. This operation allows users or applications to access stored information, enabling them to view or manipulate that data as needed.

When an application retrieves data, it typically issues a query to the database that specifies which data to retrieve. The database then processes this request and returns the requested information, which can be shown on a user interface, utilized in business logic, or further processed for analysis. Thus, 'Read' is fundamental to accessing and utilizing the data that is stored in a database system. Understanding this concept is crucial for anyone involved in software development or database management.