An SQL query is like a specific question you ask a database to retrieve or manipulate data. It's a structured command written in SQL (Structured Query Language) that tells the database what information you want to extract, update, or analyze. Think of it as giving precise instructions to a librarian on which books to find in a vast library. SQL queries are used to interact with databases, filter data, perform calculations, and retrieve the exact information you need. It's like searching a library catalog to locate books that match your criteria. SQL queries are fundamental for working with databases and making data-driven decisions.