What is the primary function of a query in computer programming?

The primary function of a query in computer programming is to serve as a question asked to retrieve information from a database or data source. This process involves specifying what data is needed by using a structured language, such as SQL (Structured Query Language), which enables users to communicate with databases effectively. Queries allow programmers to extract, update, insert, or delete data from tables in a database, making it an essential tool for managing and manipulating data.

By asking specific questions in the form of queries, developers can filter and sort the information they need for their applications, provide insights through data analysis, and generate reports. This capability is fundamental to database management systems and applications that rely on data-driven functionality.