Concurrency refers to the ability of a system to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. It allows different processes or threads to progress independently, improving efficiency and resource utilization. This is particularly important in computing, where multiple operations can occur at the same time, such as running applications or processing data. In programming, concurrent programming techniques enable developers to create applications that can perform several operations without waiting for each to complete. This can lead to faster execution and a more responsive user experience, especially in environments where tasks can be performed in parallel, like web servers or databases.