SAMtools is a software suite designed for processing and analyzing sequence alignment data in the SAM (Sequence Alignment/Map) format. It allows researchers to manipulate and view large genomic datasets efficiently, making it easier to work with next-generation sequencing data. The tools within SAMtools include functions for sorting, merging, and indexing alignment files, as well as converting between different file formats like BAM (Binary Alignment/Map). This versatility makes SAMtools a crucial resource for bioinformaticians and geneticists working with high-throughput sequencing technologies.