What does the FROM keyword indicate in an SQL query?

The FROM keyword in an SQL query specifies the tables from which to retrieve the data. It defines the source of the data that will be queried, allowing the database system to know exactly which tables to look at when fetching the requested information.

In a standard SQL SELECT statement, the syntax typically includes the SELECT clause to indicate which fields or columns to retrieve, but it is the FROM clause that determines the specific tables being referenced. For example, in a query like SELECT name FROM students, the FROM keyword points to the "students" table, indicating that the query should retrieve names specifically from that table.

Understanding the role of the FROM keyword is crucial for constructing effective SQL queries, as it establishes the foundation of the data retrieval process. The other options focus on different aspects of an SQL query: the fields to retrieve, conditions to narrow down the results, and the order in which to present those results, but they do not accurately capture the function of the FROM clause.