Data persistence refers to the characteristic of data that outlasts the execution of a program. This means that once data is created, it can be stored and retrieved later, even after the program that created it has stopped running. Common methods of achieving data persistence include using databases, files, or cloud storage systems. In software development, data persistence is crucial for applications that need to retain user information, settings, or any other data across sessions. Technologies like SQL databases, NoSQL databases, and file systems are often employed to ensure that data remains accessible and intact over time.