ETL stands for Extract, Transform, Load, a process used in data integration. It involves extracting data from various sources, such as databases or files, and gathering it into a single location for analysis. This step ensures that all relevant data is collected for further processing. The next phase, Transform, involves cleaning and converting the data into a suitable format. This may include filtering out errors, standardizing formats, or aggregating information. Finally, the Load step involves transferring the transformed data into a target system, such as a data warehouse, where it can be accessed for reporting and analysis.