Consolas is a monospaced typeface designed by Microsoft for use in programming and other applications where alignment of text is important. It was introduced in 2005 as part of the ClearType font collection, which aims to improve readability on computer screens. The design features clear, distinct characters that help reduce eye strain during long coding sessions. The font is widely used in various integrated development environments (IDEs) and text editors due to its legibility and aesthetic appeal. Consolas supports a range of languages and includes special characters, making it versatile for developers and writers alike.