What is the purpose of the SQL DROP command?

The SQL DROP command is specifically designed to remove database objects, and its primary purpose is to delete a table or an entire database from the database management system. When you execute a DROP command on a table, all the data contained within that table is permanently deleted, along with the table structure itself. If used on a database, it will remove the entire database along with all the tables and data within it. This command is a powerful tool and should be used with caution, as it cannot be undone.

The other choices do not accurately describe the function of the DROP command. Updating a record in a table is accomplished with the UPDATE command, creating a new database is performed using the CREATE DATABASE command, and adding a new column to a table is done with the ALTER TABLE command. Thus, the correct context for the DROP command is linked directly to its primary function of deletion.