A hackathon is an event where people come together to create software or hardware projects in a short amount of time, usually ranging from a day to a weekend. Participants, often called hackers, form teams to brainstorm ideas, develop prototypes, and showcase their work. These events encourage creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving, making them a fun way to learn new skills and meet like-minded individuals. At a hackathon, participants often have access to resources like mentors, tools, and sometimes even food and prizes. Many companies sponsor these events to discover talent and innovative ideas, while participants can gain valuable experience and potentially kickstart their careers in technology.