A linear code is a type of error-correcting code used in digital communications and data storage. It is defined by a set of codewords that can be generated through linear combinations of a set of basis vectors. This means that if you take any two codewords and add them together, the result will also be a codeword. Linear codes are essential for ensuring data integrity by detecting and correcting errors that may occur during transmission. One common example of a linear code is the Hamming code, which can correct single-bit errors and detect two-bit errors. Linear codes are characterized by their parameters, such as the length of the codewords and the number of information bits they can encode. These codes are widely used in various applications, including computer networks and storage devices, to enhance reliability and performance.