A flash hider is a device attached to the muzzle of a firearm, designed to reduce the visible light signature produced when a gun is fired. This is particularly important for military and tactical applications, as it helps conceal the shooter's position by minimizing the bright flash that occurs when gunpowder ignites. Flash hiders work by dispersing the gases that exit the barrel, cooling them and reducing their brightness. They are commonly used on rifles, such as those in the AR-15 family, and can be found in various designs, including muzzle brakes and compensators, which serve additional purposes like recoil reduction.