A bar chart is a visual representation of data that uses rectangular bars to show the values of different categories. Each bar's length or height corresponds to the quantity it represents, making it easy to compare different groups. Bar charts can be oriented vertically or horizontally, and they are commonly used in various fields, including business, education, and research, to display information clearly. Bar charts can represent both discrete and continuous data, allowing for a straightforward comparison between categories. They often include labels for each category and a scale to indicate the values, helping viewers quickly understand the data's significance. Overall, bar charts are an effective tool for data visualization.