'Data Access Object' is an object that talks to the underlying database and provides other application components. It serves as a clean, simple and common interface for accessing the data, and for reducing the dependency of other components on the details of using the database

The Data Access Object (DAO) pattern abstracts database operations behind an interface. It provides a clean API for CRUD operations, hiding implementation details like SQL, connection management, and data source specifics. This reduces coupling between application components and the database, making the codebase more maintainable and testable.