What is a cursor in the context of databases?

A cursor in the context of databases is a database object that allows for the retrieval and navigation of records in a result set. It acts as a pointer to one specific row within a query result set and provides a mechanism for handling multiple rows of data in a database. With a cursor, a programmer can effectively fetch one row at a time or move through the result set to process records sequentially.

Cursors are essential for operations where you need to iterate over a set of rows and perform actions on them, such as updating or manipulating data. They enable developers to manage and traverse the data in a structured way, making it possible to handle complex queries and operations that involve multiple records.

The other options do not relate to the definition and function of a cursor in database environments. Tools for designing user interactions relate more to user interface aspects rather than data manipulation. Techniques for data encryption concern securing data rather than accessing or navigating it. Lastly, user input validation is about ensuring that data entered into a system meets certain criteria rather than the process of retrieving or navigating through data stored in a database.