C-SCAN, or Circular SCAN, is a disk scheduling algorithm used in computer operating systems to manage how data is read from and written to storage devices. It operates by moving the read/write head in one direction, servicing all requests along the way, and then returning to the starting point to repeat the process. This method helps reduce the time the head spends moving back and forth, improving overall efficiency. The C-SCAN algorithm is particularly beneficial in environments with high data access demands, such as servers and databases. By ensuring that requests are handled in a circular manner, it provides a more uniform wait time for all requests, which can enhance performance in systems that rely on quick data retrieval, like hard drives and solid-state drives.