The `INSERT INTO` statement is used to add new rows to a table in a relational database. It's a core part of data manipulation, enabling you to populate your database with the necessary information. This statement is essential for creating and maintaining the data within your tables. Understanding how to use `INSERT INTO` correctly is vital for any SQL developer. It's a straightforward yet powerful tool for adding data, enabling you to update and maintain your database effectively. The statement takes the table name as input and allows you to specify the values to be inserted into the columns of that table.