The `DELETE FROM` statement is a fundamental command in SQL for removing rows from a table. It's a powerful tool for managing data, allowing you to clean up outdated or incorrect information. This statement is part of the Data Manipulation Language (DML) and is essential for maintaining data integrity and consistency. It's important to understand that `DELETE FROM` permanently removes data; therefore, caution and careful planning are crucial. Using a `WHERE` clause is essential to target specific rows for deletion, preventing accidental data loss. Without a `WHERE` clause, the entire table's contents will be erased. This is a critical distinction to understand to avoid unintended consequences.