Which type of query does query() execute?

The query() method is specifically designed to execute SOQL (Salesforce Object Query Language) queries. SOQL is used to retrieve specific records from Salesforce objects, allowing developers to specify criteria to filter the records returned based on various fields. This method enables users to construct queries that can extract complex datasets with precision, ensuring they can interact with the data effectively.

In the context of Salesforce, using the query() method facilitates data operations within Apex code, which allows developers to work seamlessly with the Salesforce platform’s database capabilities. The ability to craft complex queries with various clauses, such as SELECT, WHERE, and LIMIT, enhances the developer's capability to access and manipulate the underlying data.

The other types of queries mentioned serve different purposes. For example, SOSL is used for text searching across multiple objects, whereas REST API and Metadata API queries pertain to broader API interactions rather than direct data retrieval through SOQL. Thus, it is clear that the query() method is tailored specifically for executing SOQL, making it the appropriate choice.