Gradle is an open-source build automation tool designed to simplify the process of building, testing, and deploying software. It uses a domain-specific language based on Groovy or Kotlin, allowing developers to define their project structure and dependencies in a clear and concise manner. Gradle is widely used in Java projects but supports multiple programming languages, making it versatile for various development environments. One of Gradle's key features is its ability to manage dependencies automatically, ensuring that the right libraries and versions are included in a project. It also supports incremental builds, which means it only rebuilds parts of the project that have changed, significantly speeding up the build process. This efficiency makes Gradle a popular choice among developers for managing complex software projects.