A Chern class is a mathematical concept used in the field of differential geometry and algebraic topology. It provides a way to associate a characteristic class to a vector bundle, which helps in understanding the geometric properties of the bundle. Chern classes are particularly important in the study of complex manifolds and can be used to derive important invariants. Chern classes are named after the mathematician Shiing-Shen Chern, who developed the theory in the mid-20th century. They play a crucial role in various areas of mathematics and physics, including string theory and topological quantum field theory, by linking geometry with topology.