The Pauli gates are a set of fundamental quantum gates used in quantum computing. They are named after the physicist Wolfgang Pauli and consist of three operators: Pauli-X, Pauli-Y, and Pauli-Z. Each gate performs a specific transformation on a qubit, which is the basic unit of quantum information. For example, the Pauli-X gate flips the state of a qubit, similar to a classical NOT gate. These gates are essential for constructing quantum algorithms and circuits. They are represented by 2x2 matrices and can be combined with other gates to create complex operations. The Pauli gates play a crucial role in quantum error correction and quantum entanglement, making them vital for the development of quantum technologies.