Lua is a lightweight, high-level programming language designed for embedded use in applications. It was created in 1993 in Brazil and is known for its simplicity and flexibility. Lua is often used in game development, web applications, and as a scripting language for software, allowing developers to add custom functionality easily. One of Lua's key features is its easy-to-learn syntax, which makes it accessible for beginners. It supports procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming paradigms, enabling developers to choose the style that best fits their needs. Lua's small footprint and fast performance make it an ideal choice for resource-constrained environments.