Code performance refers to how efficiently a program runs, focusing on factors like speed, resource usage, and responsiveness. High-performing code executes tasks quickly while consuming minimal system resources, such as memory and processing power. This is crucial for applications that require real-time processing or handle large amounts of data. Improving code performance can involve optimizing algorithms, reducing complexity, and minimizing input/output operations. Tools like profilers help developers identify bottlenecks, while techniques such as caching and parallel processing can enhance performance. Ultimately, better code performance leads to a smoother user experience and more efficient software.