File handling refers to the process of creating, reading, updating, and deleting files on a computer. It allows users and programs to manage data stored in files, which can be text documents, images, or other formats. File handling is essential for organizing information and ensuring that it can be accessed and modified as needed. In programming, file handling is typically done using specific functions or methods provided by languages like Python, Java, or C++. These functions enable developers to perform operations such as opening a file, writing data to it, and closing it when done. Proper file handling ensures data integrity and efficient storage management.