What character is used in SQL to represent all records?

In SQL, the asterisk (*) character serves as a wildcard symbol to signify "all records" or "all columns" within a table. When used in a SELECT statement, for example, it indicates that the query should return every column from the specified table. This is particularly useful when you want to retrieve complete records without having to specify each column individually.

The use of the asterisk allows for concise and efficient queries, especially in scenarios where the structure of the table is subject to changes, or where the user needs to examine all data without a pre-defined column list. Its functionality extends across various SQL statements, making it a fundamental character in SQL syntax.

The other characters do not have similar meanings within SQL. The plus sign does not denote any standard SQL behavior related to record selection, while the hash symbol and the question mark have alternative uses, such as in identifiers or placeholders, rather than representing all records.