What does the SQL command 'DELETE' do?

The SQL command 'DELETE' is used to remove data from a table in a relational database. When executed, it can eliminate specific rows based on a condition specified in the command, or it can remove all rows in the table if no condition is provided. This command is crucial for maintaining data integrity and managing data that is no longer needed.

For example, a command like DELETE FROM employees WHERE employee_id = 5; would remove the row with the specified employee ID from the employees table, thus demonstrating the command's primary function.

Understanding the functionalities of SQL commands is essential for effective database management, as each command serves a distinct purpose in data manipulation.