An Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) is a device that transforms continuous signals, like sound or light, into a digital format that computers can process. This conversion allows analog information, which varies smoothly over time, to be represented as discrete values, enabling digital devices to interpret and manipulate the data. ADCs are essential in various applications, including audio recording, digital cameras, and telecommunications. They work by sampling the analog signal at specific intervals and quantizing the sampled values into binary numbers. This process ensures that the original signal can be accurately reconstructed and analyzed in the digital domain.