A KeyboardEvent is a type of event in web development that occurs when a user interacts with a keyboard. It captures actions like pressing or releasing keys, allowing developers to respond to user input in real-time. This event is essential for creating interactive applications, such as games or forms, where keyboard input is necessary. In JavaScript, KeyboardEvent objects provide useful properties, such as `key`, which indicates which key was pressed, and `code`, which represents the physical key on the keyboard. Developers can listen for these events using event listeners to enhance user experience and functionality in their applications.