aggregate function

An aggregate function is a tool used in data analysis to summarize or combine multiple data points into a single value. For example, it can calculate the total sum, average, highest, lowest, or count of items in a dataset. Imagine having a list of test scores; an aggregate function can quickly tell you the average score or the highest score without needing to examine each individual score manually. These functions are essential for efficiently extracting meaningful insights from large amounts of data, enabling better decision-making and reporting.