"Interceptor" is a term that can refer to various concepts, but it is commonly associated with a type of aircraft designed to intercept and engage enemy aircraft. These planes are equipped with advanced radar and weaponry, allowing them to detect and neutralize threats in the air. Interceptors play a crucial role in national defense by protecting airspace from hostile incursions. In the context of software, an "interceptor" is a design pattern used in programming to modify or extend the behavior of functions or methods. This technique allows developers to add additional functionality, such as logging or authentication, without altering the original code. Interceptors are often used in frameworks like Java and Spring to enhance application performance and security.