Awk is a powerful programming language designed for text processing and data extraction. It is commonly used for pattern scanning and processing, allowing users to manipulate data in files or streams. Awk operates on a line-by-line basis, making it ideal for handling structured data like CSV files. The language uses a simple syntax that combines patterns and actions, enabling users to perform tasks such as searching for specific text, calculating sums, or formatting output. Awk is often utilized in shell scripting and is a standard tool in many Unix-like operating systems, enhancing productivity for data analysis and reporting tasks.