The greater than operator (`>`) in SQL is a crucial component of filtering data in a database. It allows you to select only those rows from a table where a specific column's value exceeds a given threshold. This is a fundamental aspect of data retrieval and manipulation. For example, you might want to find all customers whose age is greater than 30, or all orders with a total amount exceeding $100. The `>` operator is used within the `WHERE` clause of a `SELECT` statement. This clause acts as a filter, ensuring that only the desired rows are returned. The operator is straightforward to use and is a cornerstone of SQL queries. Proper use of the `>` operator ensures that you retrieve only the relevant data, avoiding unnecessary processing and improving query efficiency. It's important to remember that the `>` operator works with various data types, including numbers, dates, and strings (though string comparisons can be more complex and depend on the specific database system).