The `BETWEEN` operator is a convenient way to select rows from a table where a date or other numerical value lies within a specified range. It's a concise alternative to using comparison operators like `>=` and `<=` to define the range. This operator is crucial for tasks like finding all orders placed between specific dates, or identifying all employees hired within a particular time frame. It simplifies the query and improves readability, making your SQL code easier to understand and maintain. Using `BETWEEN` directly specifies the inclusive range, which is often the desired behavior when working with dates. For example, if you want to find all orders placed between January 1, 2023, and January 31, 2023, you can use `BETWEEN` to directly specify this range in your query.