What is query processing?

Query processing refers to the series of steps a database management system (DBMS) takes to interpret and execute a user's query. This process involves parsing the query, translating it into a suitable internal representation, optimizing it for efficient execution, and finally retrieving the requested data from the database. Effective query processing is crucial for ensuring fast and accurate results, especially in large and complex databases. It typically includes techniques like indexing, query rewriting, and using execution plans to improve performance.