Logical XOR, or exclusive OR, is a binary operation that outputs true only when the inputs differ. In simpler terms, if one input is true and the other is false, the result is true. However, if both inputs are true or both are false, the result is false. This makes XOR useful in various applications, such as digital circuits and error detection. In programming, logical XOR can be represented using symbols like ⊕ or functions in languages like Python and Java. It is often used in algorithms that require a decision based on differing conditions, enhancing logical operations in computer science.