Development boards are small, programmable circuit boards that help engineers and hobbyists create and test electronic projects. They often include a microcontroller, input/output pins, and various interfaces, making it easier to prototype and develop applications. Popular examples include the Arduino and Raspberry Pi, which are widely used in education and DIY projects. These boards come with a variety of features, such as built-in sensors, connectivity options, and support for different programming languages. They are designed to simplify the development process, allowing users to focus on their project ideas without needing extensive hardware knowledge.