Which term describes performing a complex search or sort on a database?

The term that best describes performing a complex search or sort on a database is a query. In the context of databases, a query refers to a request for information or data retrieval that is often expressed in a specific query language, such as SQL (Structured Query Language). A query can include various conditions and parameters, making it capable of handling complex searches and organizing data efficiently based on specific criteria.

Queries allow users to interact with the database to extract meaningful information, sort results in a desired order, and apply filters to fine-tune the output. This ability to both retrieve and manipulate data effectively makes queries essential for database management and usage.

The other terms—transaction, operation, and procedure—have specific meanings that do not directly correspond to the act of searching or sorting data in a complex manner. Transactions are related to a sequence of operations performed as a single logical unit of work, while operations are general actions taken on the data. Procedures refer to predefined functions or routines executed to perform tasks, which could include queries but are not limited to that specific action.