Bartering is the process of exchanging goods or services directly without using money. For example, if you have a basket of fresh fruits and your neighbor has some vegetables, you can trade your fruits for their vegetables. This system relies on mutual agreement about the value of the items being exchanged, making it a simple way to meet needs without cash.
Historically, bartering was common before the invention of currency. People would trade items they had in surplus for things they needed. Today, while money is the primary medium of exchange, bartering still exists in various forms, such as online marketplaces or community exchanges, where people can swap skills or products.