Error checking is a process used in computing and data transmission to identify and correct errors that may occur during data processing or transfer. This ensures that the information received is accurate and matches the original data. Common methods of error checking include checksums, parity bits, and cyclic redundancy checks (CRC), which help detect discrepancies. In programming, error checking can also refer to validating user input to prevent incorrect data from being processed. This is important for maintaining the integrity of applications and databases, as it helps avoid issues that could arise from invalid or unexpected data entries.