Logic gates are fundamental building blocks of digital circuits, used to perform logical operations on one or more binary inputs to produce a single output. They operate based on Boolean algebra, which involves true (1) and false (0) values. Common types of logic gates include AND, OR, NOT, NAND, and NOR, each serving different functions in processing information. These gates can be combined to create complex circuits, enabling computers and electronic devices to perform various tasks. For example, a combination of logic gates can be used to create adders for arithmetic operations or flip-flops for memory storage. Understanding logic gates is essential for anyone studying electronics or computer science.