What is the standard method for joining two tables in a database?

The standard method for joining two tables in a relational database is referred to as "Join." In the context of databases, joining tables involves merging records based on a common field, which facilitates combining data from different tables to be analyzed as a single set.

When using a join, various types can be applied, such as inner joins, left joins, right joins, and full outer joins. Each of these types serves a specific purpose in determining how the records from the two tables are matched and which records to include in the result set. This functionality is integral to relational database management, allowing for complex queries and data relationships defined by foreign keys.

The other terms mentioned—link, connect, and merge—are not the standard terminology used in database management systems (DBMS) to describe the operation of combining two tables based on shared attributes. "Link" may refer to creating a connection or reference between tables, but it does not imply the process of combining data. "Connect" is more general and does not specifically pertain to the relational model. "Merge" is often used in different contexts, such as data integration or version control, but it does not describe the relational operation of joining tables in the way that "join" does.