Middleware is software that acts as a bridge between different applications or services, allowing them to communicate and share data. It simplifies the development process by providing common services and capabilities, enabling developers to focus on building their specific applications without worrying about the underlying complexities of communication. Middleware can be found in various forms, such as message-oriented middleware, which facilitates message passing between systems, or database middleware, which helps applications interact with databases. By standardizing communication protocols and data formats, middleware enhances interoperability and scalability in software systems.