CRUD operations stand at the core of database management and are fundamental in interacting with data. CRUD is an acronym for Create, Read, Update, and Delete, representing the four basic functions we can perform on a database.

• Create: This operation involves creating new objects in a database server. An object can be a database, a table, or a row. In MySQL, these operations are performed using the CREATE or INSERT statements;
• Read: Reading data involves retrieving existing records from the database. In MySQL, the SELECT statement is used to fetch data from one or more tables;
• Update: Updating data involves modifying existing records in the database. In MySQL, the UPDATE statement is used for updating records;
• Delete: Deleting data involves removing existing records from the database. It can also include deleting entire tables or perhaps database instances. In MySQL, the DELETE or DROP statements are used to delete objects.

Understanding how to perform CRUD operations is essential for working with MySQL databases. These operations enable developers to create, retrieve, update, and delete data efficiently, forming the backbone of many database-driven applications. Throughout this guide, we'll explore each CRUD operation in detail, along with practical examples in MySQL.