How does the INNER JOIN keyword operate in SQL?

The INNER JOIN keyword in SQL is used specifically to combine records from two or more tables based on a related column between them. When an INNER JOIN is performed, the result set will only include those records for which there is a match in both tables according to the specified join condition. This means that if a record in one table does not have a corresponding match in the other table, it will not be included in the final result set.

This operation is fundamental for relational databases, where data is often stored in multiple related tables. By utilizing INNER JOIN, you can effectively query and retrieve relevant data across these tables, ensuring that the information you work with is cohesive and related.

The other options describe different functionalities that do not align with the behavior of the INNER JOIN keyword. For example, combining records without matching columns is contrary to the concept of an INNER JOIN, and sorting results by a specific column or filtering based on criteria from another table do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of INNER JOIN. These misunderstandings highlight the importance of recognizing the specific role of INNER JOIN in SQL queries.