Caching is a technique used in computing to store copies of frequently accessed data in a temporary storage area, known as a cache. This allows for quicker access to the data, reducing the time it takes to retrieve it from the original source, such as a database or web server. When a user requests data, the system first checks the cache. If the data is found there, it can be delivered much faster than if it had to be fetched from the original location. This process improves overall performance and efficiency in applications and systems.