A line integral is a mathematical concept used to calculate the integral of a function along a curve or path in space. It is particularly useful in fields like physics and engineering, where it helps determine quantities such as work done by a force along a path or the mass of a wire with varying density. The line integral takes into account both the function values and the geometry of the path. To compute a line integral, one typically parameterizes the curve using a variable, often denoted as t, which represents points along the curve. The integral is then evaluated by integrating the function with respect to this parameter, considering the curve's direction and length. This process allows for a deeper understanding of how functions behave along specific paths in multivariable calculus.