The ETL process stands for Extract, Transform, and Load. It is a method used to gather data from various sources, such as databases and applications. The first step, extraction, involves pulling data from these sources. Next, the data is transformed to fit the desired format or structure, which may include cleaning, filtering, or aggregating the information. Finally, the transformed data is loaded into a target system, such as a data warehouse, where it can be analyzed and used for decision-making.