A programming paradigm is a fundamental style or approach to programming that dictates how developers structure and organize their code. Common paradigms include procedural programming, which focuses on a sequence of instructions, and object-oriented programming (OOP), which organizes code into reusable objects that represent real-world entities. Each paradigm has its own principles and best practices, making it easier for programmers to solve specific types of problems. Different paradigms can influence how software is developed and maintained. For instance, functional programming emphasizes the use of functions and avoids changing state, while declarative programming focuses on what the program should accomplish rather than how to achieve it. Understanding these paradigms helps programmers choose the right tools and techniques for their projects.