The "Hello World" program is a simple computer program that displays the message "Hello, World!" on the screen. It is often used as a beginner's introduction to programming because it demonstrates the basic syntax of a programming language without complex concepts. Many programming languages, such as Python, Java, and C, have their own versions of this program. This program serves as a first step for new programmers to understand how to write and execute code. It helps learners become familiar with their development environment and the process of compiling or interpreting code, making it a foundational exercise in computer science education.